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Matt Haig: A Boy Called Christmas (2001, Canongate Books Ltd) 5 stars

Eleven-year-old Nikolas nicknamed Christmas has received only one toy in his life: a doll carved …

Review of 'A Boy Called Christmas' on 'Goodreads'

5 stars

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.