A Boy Called Christmas

I bought this to read last year or two years ago maybe...before there was a Netflix adaptation. I still haven't watched, but now that I've finished reading, I think I will. 
A boy born on Christmas Day, a poor family, but with a love for giving, rather than receiving. Of course he would find magic and become Father Christmas!
For me this was the whimsical Christmas magic I was looking for. It's silly and fantastical, with bits of depth and sadness to balance. It has levity and is fun throughout. Blitzen peeing on people from the air was a fun touch. 
Personally 4/5* for me. 

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.

I've had this one on my shelf for a bit and saw that it is now a movie. What better motivation, outside of it being Matt Haig and Christmas, to finally pull it off the shelf.

While this is a dreary story most of the way through, I love the overall message. As this is the origin story of Santa Claus, I think this was well done.

I would definitely say this isn't for littles and keep it geared toward older children. This definitely fits within the YA category but I think adults will enjoy this one just as much. Again, Matt Haig and Christmas, soo

Always lovely.

Though kinda ends about 25% short of the actual ending, then it's a little dragged out.

I am so in love with this book! I've never been a big Christmas reader, but for some reason this year I have been in a holiday mood and once all of my media to be Christmas-themed. Naturally, I went on the search for a Christmas audiobook, and found this. The narration by Stephen Fry is fantastic, the story is adorable and nostalgic, and the writing is very well done. Listening to this may become a Christmas tradition for me, but for now I'm off to buy this book for all of my friends.

I am so in love with this book! I've never been a big Christmas reader, but for some reason this year I have been in a holiday mood and once all of my media to be Christmas-themed. Naturally, I went on the search for a Christmas audiobook, and found this. The narration by Stephen Fry is fantastic, the story is adorable and nostalgic, and the writing is very well done. Listening to this may become a Christmas tradition for me, but for now I'm off to buy this book for all of my friends.

What a dark and harrowing origin story for Father Christmas. I loved it, but definitely be warned when purchasing this for young readers. It deals with some very heavy topics, but it does so in a fairytale-like way. I think my favorite thing is that everything isn't made perfect. Sure, the magic makes some things convenient, but the sad events don't magically fix themselves. Dealing with neglect, abuse, abandonment, loss, etc. is difficult and I think some kids need to see representation of that, even if that representation is more unrealistic due to the fairytale vibe, to feel less alone. But, I'm not a parent, so maybe I'm overstepping with that statement.

4.25 stars Such a cute, classic Christmas story! <3

Now I know the origin story for Santa.

*3.5 stars

This was a lovely read, I really enjoyed finding out about young Nikolas. I can see this becoming a part of my annual Christmas countdown :)