A.H. Edelman

A.H. Edelman is the author of The Little Black Dress and Manless in Montclair. And, yes, she still believes in Santa!

The holidays are typically a season of unbridled merriment and joy. However, this year’s celebrations are going to look a bit different.

Recognizing the challenges this year’s holiday season will bring, New Jersey mom A.H. Edelman was inspired to write Santa in a Snow Globe, the first illustrated children’s book to offer parents, caregivers, and children a starting point to talk about life’s new realities—explained straightforwardly by Santa—complete with timeless advice, beautiful inclusive illustrations, and a big dose of Christmas cheer.

Going beyond mask-wearing and social distancing, Santa in a Snow Globe also touches on issues the world is facing today, including climate change and protests. However, Edelman’s Santa still shares a positive message of hope and the importance of appreciating the simpler things in life.

I’m so excited for you to connect with AH, check out her work and new book, and follow along as she continues to share positive messages of hope and the importance of appreciating the simpler things in life.

I'd love it if you'd introduce yourself, what you do, and what you're working on.

Sure! My name is AH Edelman and I wrote a book called Santa in a Snow Globe to help give parents, caregivers, and children a starting point to talk about some of life’s new realities—explained straightforwardly by Santa—along with some timeless advice, beautiful illustrations, and a big dose of Christmas cheer.

Right now I’m working on getting the news out to people like you!

How did you get started?

I got started writing the book by first asking my friend Serge Gall if he would do the illustrations. When he agreed I just started writing (and ultimately was dreaming in rhyme!). We were under a deadline as it was already the first week in September.

What inspired the work that you're doing?

Well I’m a huge fan of Santa and Christmas. It was always such a time of beauty and sparkle and hope for me. And at the present time a lot of us are short on those things. Also, as a parent I wanted to offer people a way to discuss the important larger issues with the kids in their life. So Santa in a Snow Globe provided me with a way to do both.

What is your biggest passion? Do you feel like you're living your passion and purpose?

Staying busy. I always like to have a couple projects going. These days it’s my business, my new book (Santa in a Snow Globe), my husband is teaching me how to play the guitar…and jigsaw puzzles.

And yes, I do feel like I’m living my passion and purpose. The one thing I miss is volunteering to help kids in need (via Big Sisters, the Salvation Army and Covenant House), but the virus makes that impossible right now.

What is your joy blueprint? What lights you up, brings you joy, and makes you feel the most alive?

My husband, my two (mostly grown) children and my family.

How do you live intentionally? Are there tools/resources/practices that you rely on to help you stay mindful and grounded?

My grandmother introduced me to yoga when I was about 12 (she was very ahead of her time). I started again at a studio just before Corona hit but I’m not that comfortable without an instructor. So I work out regularly, try to stay in the moment, meditate, remember how lucky I am (I have plenty of food, shelter and people who love me). I do have to say that it was pretty hard back in March with all the uncertainty. Plus my older daughter got Covid but thankfully it was mild and she’s OK now.

What would your younger self think about what you're doing now?

I think the younger me would have been very happy, frankly. I’ve had a very fun and rich life…much better than what I expected when I was younger (I’m a late bloomer).

Do you have a go-to mantra or affirmation?

One day at a time :).

What is your biggest dream?

Frankly I’m living it.

To learn more about A.H. and Santa in a Snow Globe visit their website www.santainasnowglobe.com and you can order your copy of the book here

Joy Corner is an interview-style blog series brought to you by Seek The Joy Podcast. Our mission continues to be a desire to share your stories, truths, joys and inspiration in your words. We invite you to join our corner, and share your joys, passions, and moments of inspiration as we continue to seek the joy, together. Join this series here

A.H. Edelman - Author, Santa in a Snow Globe