What if Santa Claus didn't start at the North Pole—but in a tenement apartment on Bayard Street in New York City? Christopher Kringle & The Seven-Year Curse is the magical origin story of how a curious boy, born on New Year's Day 1900, grows into the figure we all know today. But Christopher's path is anything but ordinary—he's hunted by a secret society, raised by two mothers, and marked by a mysterious curse that threatens his life every seven years. Told through a blend of historical fiction, heartwarming family bonds, and buried Christmas magic, this first installment in the series introduces readers to the real beginnings of Santa Claus—with nods to mythology, science, and mystery along the way. Perfect for families, educators, and readers young and old who still believe in the power of kindness, courage, and a good old-fashioned bedtime story.