A boy called Christmas

A Boy Called Christmas was a delightful fantasy story. It really had a Roald Dahl feel to it. The beginning especially felt very Matilda/Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

I liked that it wasn’t one of those Santa stories about “saving Christmas”. Christmas is already a thing, and the main character loves it despite coming from a poor family and rarely getting presents. The story didn't suggest that he was connected to the historical figure of Saint Nicholas either. It was a very British style Father Christmas, despite the main character being from Finland.

A Boy Called Christmas was just a great, magical fantasy story with a unique fantasy origin for "Father Christmas" with elves, reindeer, and lots of heart.

I needed something with an audio version to listen to while I drove to do a store pickup, and also while I wrapped presents. As I looked at the choices, I noticed A Boy Called Christmas. I had seen this book around a little bit, but didn’t know a whole lot about it. I saw that the audiobook was read by Stephen Fry. It’s hard to go wrong with an audiobook read by Stephen Fry!

A Boy Called Christmas was a wonderful story, and the audiobook was a fantastic listen. And I really did finish this book on Christmas Day! I finished the last ten minutes or so in the early morning when I woke up before my kids.

Impossible - an old Elf swear word.

A Boy Called Christmas is the epitome of a wonderful Christmas tale and one that everyone who loves Christmas and magic in general will adore.

With magical characters including trolls, elves, pixies and of course, reindeer, A Boy Called Christmas is for the most part, a wonderfully fun tale with a few moments of sadness that just make the joyous parts all the more pure. There's a kidnapping, lots of elves with the most diverse of personalities, tons of beautiful snow a little boy called Nicholas who despite all that has hurt him? Believes in magic and the hope it gives you.


This is a story I wish I had when I was a child, because I love magic - and the joy it gives you to believe in the possibility of more. An origin story of Father Christmas that is unique and calls to the inner child in us all if we're the adult reading Haig's magical tale or that child who looks to December 25th as the day were dreams may come true.