Pincher Creek author pens children’s Christmas book

By Alexandra Noad - Lethbridge Herald Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on January 7, 2025.

An 81-year-old man from Pincher Creek has published a bestselling children’s Christmas book, proving it’s never too late to chase your dreams.
Esa Salonen grew up in Finland shortly after the Second World War and often found himself at his grandmother’s as she had more food, living out in the country. His story of one particular Christmas visit became his book, entitled Santa’s Surprise: Christmas at Grandmas. It recently landed as a top bestseller in three categories on Amazon, including exploring Europe for children, books of mazes for children, and children’s books on Christmas and Advent.
One year at Christmastime, Esa found himself at his grandmothers at Christmas, and just like any five-year-old was worried if Santa would be able to find him. Toni Salonen, Esa’s wife of 56 years, says this story became a classic for his children through the years.
“This particular story (especially) our children have loved it.”
A few years ago, his daughter told him to write out the stories, before they were lost.
While he tried to write them out, it unfortunately was too difficult to get the story the same as telling them verbally.
Last year his local library offered a program where seniors could get a videotape of them telling their stories.
Esa took up this opportunity to tell his stories, bringing little notes on cards to keep himself on track.
To his wife’s surprise, he took this opportunity with stride especially given the new technology he was working with.
“I was shocked he did it and took it so easily and just sat there relaxed,” she said.
After three weeks, Esa was able to record 10 stories, one of them being the beloved Christmas story, something for which Toni was grateful.
With the videos of the story, and the help from his daughter, Esa was convinced to create a children’s book.
Once a week, his daughter would help him create the book, with the images done by a close family friend.
The book also contains activities such as word searches, crossword puzzles and a maze for children to enjoy alongside the story.
Toni believes many of the themes throughout the book cater to those young and old and is the reason the book has done so well.
“I think that’s part of it,” she says. “It will appeal to so many people on so many levels.”
Santa’s Surprise was a team effort from family and close friends and everyone is ecstatic with its success.
“It’s been a project for all of us to get this story down and now published and its popularity is just blowing (Esa) away, he can’t believe it,” says Toni.
With the success of his first book, Salonen has plans to release another book later this year.

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