A Boy Called Christmas

Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the bittersweet nature of the holidays, perhaps due to a recent loss, financial hardship, or a sense that the 'magic' of childhood is fading. It offers a sophisticated but accessible exploration of how hope can be a choice we make even when things feel bleak. While it is an origin story for Santa Claus, it avoids being overly sentimental, opting instead for a witty, slightly dark, and deeply human adventure. The story follows Nikolas, a boy living in poverty who journeys to the North Pole to find his missing father. Along the way, he encounters magical creatures and a struggling elf village, eventually discovering his own purpose in the world. It is a perfect choice for parents who want to move beyond surface-level holiday cheer to discuss resilience, the importance of kindness, and how we can find light in the darkest of winters. Best for ages 8 to 12, it respects a child's ability to handle complex emotions while delivering a satisfying, magical payoff.