“He had a SUSPICIOUS MIND but he understood it all.”
– an excerpt from the book
ARPress is honored to publish Santa Elvis by Gaylon Tyner. This book is now available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and the ARPress website.
Christmas has always been a season of cherished traditions, familiar songs, and stories that bring people together. Every year, families revisit timeless tales that spark laughter, nostalgia, and the excitement of the holidays. Sometimes, all it takes is a fresh twist on a beloved icon to remind readers that the magic of Christmas can be found in the most unexpected places.
That playful imagination is what makes Santa Elvis so entertaining. Rather than retelling a traditional Christmas story, the book imagines a world where Elvis Presley joins Santa Claus on a festive holiday adventure. Filled with clever references to Elvis’s legendary music and unmistakable style, the story blends rock-and-roll charm with Christmas cheer, creating a reading experience that is both nostalgic and delightfully original.
Gaylon Tyner has long admired the enduring legacy of Elvis Presley. An actor, musician, and devoted Elvis enthusiast, Tyner has spent years celebrating the performer who transformed the world of music. That admiration shines throughout Santa Elvis, where his appreciation for Elvis is paired with a genuine love for holiday storytelling.
Rather than simply borrowing Elvis’s image, Tyner creates a whimsical tale that captures the spirit many fans associate with the legendary entertainer, his generosity, charisma, and unforgettable personality. The result is a story that feels both playful and heartfelt, inviting readers to imagine what might happen if the King of Rock and Roll answered Santa’s call during the busiest time of the year.
Throughout the book, readers encounter familiar nods to Elvis’s career woven naturally into the Christmas adventure. References to classics like “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Suspicious Minds,” “Blue Christmas,” “Hound Dog,” “Burning Love,” and the famous Graceland home create a joyful experience for longtime Elvis fans while remaining accessible to younger readers discovering the story for the first time.
Tyner makes it clear that Santa Elvis is not intended to be a historical account or a biography. Instead, it is a celebration of imagination, music, and the joyful spirit that defines the Christmas season. By blending holiday traditions with pop culture, he creates a story that encourages readers to embrace fun, laughter, and the timeless magic of storytelling.
That sense of joy gives the book its lasting appeal.
Readers follow Santa Elvis as he delivers gifts with his own signature flair, replacing sleigh rides with Cadillacs, filling Christmas with rhinestones, rock and roll, and unforgettable holiday spirit. The playful lyrics, rhythmic storytelling, and colorful references make each page feel like a festive performance, celebrating both Christmas and one of music’s most iconic figures.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its ability to connect generations. Adults who grew up listening to Elvis Presley will appreciate the many musical references, while children can simply enjoy the imaginative adventure of a larger-than-life holiday hero spreading kindness and happiness. It becomes a story that families can share together, with each generation discovering something meaningful in its pages.
Adding to the book’s charm are the illustrations by S. Rowe, an illustrator, character designer, and lifelong dog lover whose artwork brings the whimsical world of Santa Elvis vividly to life. The illustrations capture the playful energy of the story while reinforcing the warmth and wonder of the holiday season.
As an author, Gaylon Tyner writes with the enthusiasm of someone sharing a holiday tradition with family and friends. His storytelling is lighthearted, imaginative, and filled with affection for both Christmas and the cultural legacy of Elvis Presley. Rather than relying on nostalgia alone, he creates an experience that feels fresh, joyful, and inviting.
Perhaps that’s what makes Santa Elvis resonate. It reminds readers that Christmas is about more than decorations and presents. It is about generosity, laughter, music, and the memories people create together. By combining the festive spirit of Santa Claus with the unforgettable charisma of Elvis, Tyner delivers a holiday story that is as entertaining as it is memorable.
For Elvis fans, Christmas enthusiasts, and families looking for a unique seasonal read, Santa Elvis offers something refreshingly different. Gaylon Tyner invites readers on a merry holiday adventure filled with music, imagination, and festive fun, proving that a little rock and roll can make Christmas even more magical.
Santa Elvis by Gaylon Tyner is now available for purchase via the ARPress Bookstore.