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Boy Called Christmas
Boy Called Christmas | Matt Haig
186 posts | 113 read | 58 to read
Before there was Santa Claus, there was a young boy who believed in the impossible. . . . Lemony Snicket meetsElfin this warmhearted Christmas caper. Eleven-year-old Nikolas nicknamed Christmas has received only one toy in his life: a doll carved out of a turnip. But he s happy with his turnip doll, because it came from his parents, who love him. Then one day his father goes missing, and Nikolas must travel to the North Pole to save him. Along the way, Nikolas befriends a surly reindeer, bests a troublesome troll, and discovers a hidden world of enchantment in the frozen village of Elfhelm. But the elves of Elfhelm have troubles of their own: Christmas spirit and goodwill are at an all-time low, and Nikolas may be the only person who can fix things if only he can reach his father before it s too late. . . . Sparkling with wit and warmth, A Boy Called Christmasis a cheeky new Christmas classic-in-the-making from acclaimed author Matt Haig and illustrator Chris Mould. "Irresistibly readable. Destined to become a Christmas and anytime-before-or-after-Christmas classic!" --Chris Grabenstein, New York Timesbestselling author ofEscape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library The definitive (and funny) history of ho, ho, ho! My children loved it. Yann Martel, bestselling author ofLife of Pi The most evergreen, immortal Christmas story to be published for decades. Stephen Fry "Humorous and heartfelt, A Boy Called Christmaswill grow your heart three sizes and make you believe in magic." --Liesl Shurtliff, New York Timesbestselling author ofRump "Matt Haig has an empathy for the human condition, the light and the dark of it, and he uses the full palette to build his excellent stories. Neil Gaiman, Newbery-winning author ofThe Graveyard Book"
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AmandaBlaze
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peanutnine
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Pickpick

This was a whimsical backstory for how a little boy became Santa Claus. Loved the illustrations, between those and the slightly darker undertones to the story, it reminded me a lot of a Roald Dahl book
#WinterGames Book 21 #SantasBookshELVES
#WinterGamesAtoZ @TexReader
#CandylandReadathon @catsandbooks
#GottaCatchEmAll @PuddleJumper
#Rushathon @Andrew65 @DieAReader @Ghabi4Roses
#DashingDecember
#Adventathon @BookmarkTavern

Andrew65 Definitely a great read, and even more so reading it together. 🎅🏼🎅🏼🎅🏼 11mo
DieAReader 🥳🥳🥳 11mo
BookmarkTavern So cute! 💕 11mo
Catsandbooks Merry Christmas! 💚❤️ 11mo
49 likes4 comments
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Eggs
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This story is a combination of #NaughtyOrNice. Young Nikolas begins a journey to the North Pole to find his father. Along the way he encounters hardships (naughty people), but also enjoys kindnesses (the nice). “Sometimes," she said, as her eyes shone wide and bright, "people look up to people not for who they have been, but for what
they could become. For what they know they could be.”
#DecemberDreams @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Perfect 😍 11mo
Eggs @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks 😍🥰🥳 11mo
56 likes1 stack add2 comments
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peanutnine
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Nikolas as Father Christmas finally finds his life purpose after 62 years! We also get to see a few old friends and how their lives turned out. Final thoughts - how did everyone enjoy the story?
#SantasBookshELVES
@Deblovestoread @Blerdgal_fenix @mcipher @candc320 @TheAromaofbooks @Andrew65 @5280reader @Kay.the.bibliophile

Andrew65 A great way to end the book, seeing some old friends and a high of Nikolas becoming the Father Christmas we all know and love!

Thanks for leading this buddy read @Peanutnine. 👏👏👏 I‘ve really enjoyed this and we need to do it again some time.
(edited) 11mo
Andrew65 What rating are we all giving it? 11mo
peanutnine @Andrew65 you're welcome! I enjoyed reading it a little bit each day. I appreciated the cliffhangers more! I'm giving it a pick ☺️ 11mo
26 likes3 comments
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peanutnine
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We learn how Nikolas spends the next ten years as Father Christmas, bringing joy back to Elfhelm. But he is still restless, not knowing his true purpose in life...
#SantasBookshELVES
@Deblovestoread @Blerdgal_fenix @mcipher @candc320 @TheAromaofbooks @Andrew65 @5280reader @Kay.the.bibliophile

Andrew65 These were three short chapters, but you could feel the happiness coming off the pages, although you feel sorry for Nikolas being the only human. 11mo
33 likes1 comment
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peanutnine
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Bittersweet endings. Nikolas returns Little Kip to his family and is deemed a hero. (Father Vodol takes some convincing) They give him gifts of thanks and we see the origin of stockings 🧦😂
Nikolas decides to stay with the Elves, and is deemed Father Christmas
#SantasBookshELVES
@Deblovestoread @Blerdgal_fenix @mcipher @candc320 @TheAromaofbooks @Andrew65 @5280reader @Kay.the.bibliophile

Andrew65 An interesting turn of events for Nikolas! Ho! Ho! Ho! 11mo
31 likes1 comment
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AmandaBlaze
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The tagged above is my favorite book so far. It‘s a rollercoaster of emotions telling the story of how a lonely boy became Father Christmas.
#Adventathon @BookmarkTavern

Andrew65 About 2/3 of the way through it. So far finished 15 books in the 16 days. 11mo
AmandaBlaze @Andrew65 Fantastic! 11mo
17 likes2 comments
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peanutnine
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What a rollercoaster of emotions in these chapters! Little Kip is too weak or young to use his magic to escape. Nikolas is brave to stand up to his father and the hunter but he's outnumbered. His father may have been misguided but still has goodness within him. But the chase! Heartbreaking
#SantasBookshELVES
@Deblovestoread @Blerdgal_fenix @mcipher @candc320 @TheAromaofbooks @Andrew65 @5280reader @Kay.the.bibliophile

TheAromaofBooks I was SO upset about Nikolas's father, both before and after the chase!! 11mo
Andrew65 @TheAromaofBooks Yes, how to destroy your son‘s image of you 😡 Then the ultimate sacrifice, will he survive? 11mo
26 likes2 comments
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AmandaBlaze
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Pickpick

Both sad and heartwarming at the same time, this novel tells the origin story of Father Christmas from his lonely boyhood. Through it all, he never gives up on hope. 5 stars. Word Search = 3,260.
#Adventathon @BookmarkTavern
#AtoZ @Texreader
#Candyland @Catsandbooks
#PromptMaze @TheAromaofBooks
#Rushathon @Andrew65 @DieAReader @GHABI4ROSES
#SeriesLove @TheSpineView
#WinterCosy @PuddleJumper
#RestingGrinchFace @Julsmarshall

DieAReader 🥳🥳🥳 11mo
BookmarkTavern Lovely! 💙❄️💙 11mo
Catsandbooks 🍭❄️❤️ 11mo
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 11mo
31 likes4 comments
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peanutnine
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Nikolas has enough hope and magic to get up to the roof where Blitzen can save him from the angry elves. They stumble upon a surprise in the forest that night.
#SantasBookshELVES
@Deblovestoread @Blerdgal_fenix @mcipher @candc320 @TheAromaofbooks @Andrew65 @5280reader @Kay.the.bibliophile

Andrew65 Another section that Nikolas ends in danger. I wonder if he can help Little Kip escape, and whether we‘ll see the Truth Pixie again. Was he right to save her? (edited) 11mo
26 likes1 comment
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AmandaBlaze
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Next up! Though I‘m over halfway through already.

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peanutnine
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Welp things aren't going well for Nikolas. After a confrontation with head elf Father Vodol, he gets put in prison and finds out some shocking information about his father. But he still believes that goodness is magic and gives hope.
#SantasBookshELVES
@Deblovestoread @Blerdgal_fenix @mcipher @candc320 @TheAromaofbooks @Andrew65 @5280reader @Kay.the.bibliophile

TheAromaofBooks Poor Nikolas! He's having a rough time of it. 11mo
Andrew65 @TheAromaofBooks ‘I believe in Magic‘, if we all say this and mean this I‘m sure we can help Nikolas and turn this situation around! Come on we can do this! 🪄 11mo
Andrew65 Ithink the resolution is linked to the Drimwick Spells. I wonder how they can use the chimney to escape the prison. Boo to Father Vodol! 11mo
30 likes3 comments
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AmandaBlaze
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peanutnine
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Nikolas finally makes it to Elfhelm but despite two helpful elves, may not be welcome... What do we think happened to Little Kip?
#SantasBookshELVES
@Deblovestoread @Blerdgal_fenix @mcipher @candc320 @TheAromaofbooks @Andrew65 @5280reader @Kay.the.bibliophile

Andrew65 Might just be my suspicious nature but I think Father Vodol has him as a prisoner and is blaming the humans, as a way of controlling the other elves and bringing misery to the land. 11mo
Andrew65 I liked that quote, ‘an impossibility is just a possibility you don‘t understand yet‘ 11mo
peanutnine @Andrew65 ooh nice theory! Power hungry 11mo
34 likes3 comments
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peanutnine
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Nikolas is able to befriend the terrifying reindeer after helping him remove the hunter's arrow. Blitzen joins their trek north and they come across his father's hat in the snow. Do you think all these signs of the hunting party's journey are good or bad? This chapter's ending was brutal! Everyone is so exhausted & cold
#SantasBookshELVES
@Deblovestoread @Blerdgal_fenix @mcipher @candc320 @TheAromaofbooks @Andrew65 @5280reader @Kay.the.bibliophile

Andrew65 Hope has died at the end of this section, even Miika has deserted Nikolas in the search of cheese. Do we think we‘ll see him again?

Possibly we‘re meant to think Nikolas‘s father and possibly the hunting party is dead, but I don‘t think this is the case. Let‘s do a Peter Pan moment ‘I believe in Magic‘. If we all say it loud enough and truly believe it magic will save Nikolas.
11mo
peanutnine @Andrew65 yes love that! I believe in magic! ✨ And I definitely think Miika will return, maybe with help? 11mo
29 likes2 comments
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peanutnine
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Sorry for the delay of posts but Nikolas is finally on his way after having enough of his cruel aunt's treatment. His turnip doll! 😣 What do we think of his decision to trek to the far north, courageous or foolish?
#SantasBookshELVES
@Deblovestoread @Blerdgal_fenix @mcipher @candc320 @TheAromaofbooks @Andrew65 @5280reader @Kay.the.bibliophile

Andrew65 No problem at all, take whatever time you need. 😁 Off to read the Chapters. 11mo
Andrew65 How evil was his aunt 😡 I hope she comes to a sticky ending! It was most probably a foolish thing to do going after his father, but what choice did he really have. I‘d have walked a 1000 miles to get away from that woman!
Loved the introduction of the reindeer.
11mo
TheAromaofBooks Finally caught up on this one and now I don't want to put it down!!! I'm worried about Nikolas's dad, and also suspicious of the motives of the hunter. 11mo
peanutnine @Andrew65 definitely! I wanted to keep reading after that magical intro @TheAromaofBooks yes I'm wary of the hunter too 11mo
5280reader The turnip doll scene was hard to swallow! So sad for him! 11mo
33 likes5 comments
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AmandaBlaze
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peanutnine
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A hunter visits the cottage and offers Nikolas' father a job which will have him traveling for months to find a mystical elf city. His cruel aunt comes to live with him in the meantime. Things keep getting worse for poor Nikolas
#SantasBookshELVES
@Deblovestoread @Blerdgal_fenix @mcipher @candc320 @TheAromaofbooks @Andrew65 @5280reader @kay.the.bibliophile

Andrew65 You had to feel sorry for Nikolas here, his aunt was awful! As for making him sleep outside!

The line I loved best was, ‘ Twelve thousand rubles. Between seven men that‘s over three thousand each.‘ 😂
(edited) 11mo
Andrew65 Love the drawings. 11mo
peanutnine @Andrew65 that made me chuckle too 😂 11mo
28 likes3 comments
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peanutnine
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Starting off with an introduction to Nikolas and his father, a woodcutter. They are a poor family but Nikolas seems to be grateful for his small lot in life. I love his sense of wonder and belief in the impossible.
#SantasBookshELVES
@Deblovestoread @Blerdgal_fenix @mcipher @candc320 @TheAromaofbooks @Andrew65 @5280reader @kay.the.bibliophile

AllDebooks I love this story. It was the last one I read to my children before they turned into book-averse teens x 11mo
peanutnine @AllDebooks aww how sweet! Good memories ☺️ 11mo
Andrew65 A good introduction to Nikolas. 11mo
36 likes3 comments
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peanutnine
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Here's the #buddyread schedule I came up with for our team read. There are 33 chapters, which look very short, so I broke it up into 3 chapters each day.
I'll post a little something each day for us to discuss as we read ☺️❄️🦌
#SantasBookshELVES
@Deblovestoread @Blerdgal_fenix @mcipher @candc320 @TheAromaofbooks @Andrew65 @5280reader @kay.the.bibliophile
This is completely optional so let me know if you don't want to be tagged!

Andrew65 Great, thanks fir setting this up 😁 11mo
TheAromaofBooks Yay!! I'm excited!! 11mo
5280reader All ready into this one and I love it. It‘s a library book due back soon so I‘ll read ahead but won‘t spoil anything! 11mo
39 likes3 comments
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cerijones
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Bought this book this time last year so i thought it was time for it to be read so i can watch the film over the xmas holidays!

7 likes1 stack add
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Zoe-h
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Mehso-so

I picked up this book expecting a light read. I guess I should have been tipped off by the art style that this was Roald Dahl inspired art work that it would be inspired by his style of writing as well. I think as a whole I enjoyed this book. It never really went the route I expected which was sort of nice but was also a bit of a slap in the face at times. 3⭐️

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BacklistReader
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BacklistReader
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22 days….

Continuing to get into the Christmas spirit with more tea and books because they‘re some of the best things.

#sipsby #sipsbyadventcalendar #steepsociety #kanelboller #aboycalledchristmas #matthaig #chrismould

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bree.v08
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Pickpick

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

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MommyOfTwo
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I enjoyed this book, loved the pictures. The movie is a little different but good as well.

MommyOfTwo @Cheshirecat913 there are more books after this one. We may have to read those too. 3y
16 likes1 stack add1 comment
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AshRaye
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Pickpick

Simply magical. I'm amazed by this story. The author has a way of making the characters come to life and find a place in your heart. I cared very deeply about them all. This is an inspiring book. One that makes impossible a swear word.
There is just so much to love about this story. I don't think just one read of it will truly allow you to take in all this book has to offer. I definitely plan to reread it.

curiouserandcurioser @AshRaye love this series-reread every year:) 3y
5 likes1 comment
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MommyOfTwo
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Starting this book, I have already seen the movie.

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OutsmartYourShelf
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#HolidayMovies for the last 3 days:

👑Crown for Christmas
🤶A Boy called Christmas
🎄Miss Christmas

23 pts (as 1 based on book).

#WinterGames #MistletoeManiacs @Clwojick

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Bookworm04
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Pickpick

Wine and let‘s see if the film holds to the book. Testing kindle fire hd 8 using sky go nice 👍. Already done chapter of words of radiance for 25 mins. Back into reading after this. Read this book while ago. Probably re read it defo

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Roary47
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What my niece and I watched yesterday. Just missing Home Alone 4. All great selections that helped me with some bingos!#WinterGames2021 #TeamGameSleighers @StayCurious

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MidnightBookGirl
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Pickpick

I think I enjoyed The Girl Who Saved Christmas more, but this was quite good too! Now I have to watch the movie. :)
#WinterGames #MistletoeManiacs @Clwojick
Word Search points: 2770

Andrew65 I‘d agree! 3y
44 likes1 comment
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Nessavamusic
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Starting Christmas Eve with this new one!
+6 #mistletoemaniacs #wintergames2021

Sharpeipup Haven‘t watched that one yet so let Vee know if you like it 3y
Nessavamusic @Sharpeipup it‘s very cute! 3y
Sharpeipup Good to know! I‘ll add it to my list. 3y
34 likes3 comments
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melissajayne
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Hit my goal of 75 books read this year with the tagged book. #goodreadschallenge

kplovesbooks Yay! 🙌 3y
JillsBookshelf Congratulations! 🎉 3y
fredamans Congrats!! 3y
27 likes3 comments
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melissajayne
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Pickpick

4⭐️I really quite enjoyed this book. It was a nice break from the usual romance books that I have been reading. Perfect for #middlegrade readers. #2021 #bookreview #bookstagram #fiction #christmasstories #retellings #wintergames2021 #mistletoemaniacs +41pts #averymerryreadathon

Was my #bookspin book for December

Andrew65 The other books in the trilogy are also good. 3y
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 3y
TheSpineView Great job! 3y
24 likes3 comments
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TEArificbooks
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Pickpick

This was our family read aloud this month. We loved it and are watching the movie. A saying I liked was Impossible was a swear word. With readathons and word finds 2,450 pts #wintergames #teamgamesleighers @StayCurious #wintercozy #adventathon #wrapitupreadathon #dashingdecember #averymerryreadathon @ozma.of.oz @keys_on_fire @TheSpineView

TheSpineView Fabulous! ❤🎄📚 3y
37 likes1 comment
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Curvybookgirl
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Pickpick

Really enjoyed this festive magical story, not just for younger readers. My first Matt Haig children‘s book but won‘t be my last 🎄🎅🏻

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Andrew65
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Pickpick

My second time reading this book and loved it as much as the first time. ❤️ A great read and should be an excellent film.

14th book read for #WinterGames2021 @Clwojick #WrapItUpReadathon @keys_on_fire #Wintercosy Readathon @PuddleJumper #AVeryMerryReadathon @TheSpineView #Adventathon @ozma.of.oz
9th book for #LittenListen @aperfectmjk
5th book for #DashingDecember
2nd book for #ChristmasMyWay @GHABI4ROSES @DieAReader

DieAReader 🎉🎉🎉 3y
TheSpineView Great job! 3y
Allylu @Andrew65 It is! 3y
Andrew65 @Allylu Good to hear. 3y
65 likes5 comments
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Andrew65
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Started a re-read of the excellent A Boy Called Christmas. Well timed for the film.

Strongly recommend this trilogy, of which this is the first book.

#WinterGames2021 #MistletoeManiacs

curiouserandcurioser @Andrew65 love this series! Automatic reread each year:) have you read the 4th book yet? 3y
Andrew65 @curiouserandcurioser No but hoping to get to it later this month. 3y
51 likes1 stack add2 comments
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hannah-leeloo
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Finally got around to watching A Boy Called Christmas 🎅🏻❄🐁📖 #christmas #childrens #magic

Klou How is it? I've been thinking of watching it. 3y
hannah-leeloo So far so good @Klou I've been thinking of reading the books 📚 3y
KateReadsYA I enjoyed this movie :) 3y
See All 9 Comments
Klou @hannah-leeloo they're books? I did not know that. 3y
hannah-leeloo I believe 3 to the series @Klou 3y
Klou @hannah-leeloo that's awesome! 3y
Klou @hannah-leeloo thank you!! 3y
hannah-leeloo Always welcome @Klou 3y
54 likes9 comments
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peaKnit
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21 likes1 stack add
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AnneCecilie
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Pickpick

This book is as cost and Christmassy on a second reading as the first time I read it.

A story about how we come to receive and give presents at Christmas and to believe in magic and Father Christmas.

I watched the movie a few weeks ago, and it was just as cosy as the book.

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Nelnjali
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Pickpick

4.5🌟 I really enjoyed this unique take on the origin story of Santa Claus. It is definitely a bit darker than I expected. It reminded me a lot of Roald Dahl's works. That said, it was a fun, fairytale-like story with charming illustrations.

It was also a goldmine for WG Word Search words. I found 254 of them in this little book.

#WinterGames
#MistletoeManiacs

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Bookworm54
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Pickpick

I listened to the audio narrated by Stephen Fry as my commute book.

It was cute, and I thought it was a pretty original origin story for Santa! I look forward to seeing what the TV movie is like.

My favourite character was probably the truth pixie that wanted to be good but also really liked to see heads explode 🤣

#WinterGames2021 #TeamGameSleighers #AVeryMerryBingo #AVeryMerryReadathon #Adventathon #WinterCosy #BlackwellsBookshelfReadathon

TheSpineView Great job! ❤📖💚🎄❤🎅💚 3y
megnews The Truth Pixie has her own book too! 3y
Bookworm54 @megnews amazing! Thanks for letting me know :) 3y
Jadams89 🎁👍🏻🎉🎄 3y
40 likes4 comments
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Nelnjali
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Here is my tentative TBR options for next month. (Just in time to get my early bird points for #WinterGames !)

Pictured:
Wizard and Glass (first 1/2 for bookclub)
A Boy Called Christmas
Vox Machina: Kith & Kin
Cytonic
The Christmas Chronicles

Not pictured BOTM books on the way:
In a Holidaze
This Time Next Year

I'm also going to the library tomorrow to see if I can find more Christmas books.

#MistletoeManiacs
@Clwojick

Clwojick ❤️💚❤️‍🔥💚❤️ 3y
12 likes1 comment
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HeathHof
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It's cold and gray outside today so starting the day with some hygge audio crafting and some warm candlelight.❄🕯❄
The tagged book is cute so far!

Crazeedi That's beautiful 😍 3y
megnews I loved this book! The sequel, The Girl Who Saved Christmas, was great as well. 3y
Emilymdxn This is the cosiest and loveliest evening! 3y
wanderinglynn That looks fun! 3y
58 likes2 stack adds4 comments
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TheKidUpstairs
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#Truth

Tagged is the Christmas read I bought myself today!

📷: Harper Collins Canada

Bookwormjillk So true 3y
JamieArc I wish this were me! I‘m not quite ready to pull out the Christmas stories yet, and am done with the creepy books, so I am feeling a little confused, unsure what to read 😂 3y
kspenmoll I have to celebrate Thanksgiving a holiday I love, before entering Christmas mode. Just me. 3y
Branwen I FEEL SEEN! 😂 3y
78 likes5 comments
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wordslinger42
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I've signed up for #WinterGames2021 and it promises to be full of all sorts of festive fun! 🎄❄☃️ You can sign up here:

@Clwojick
@StayCurious

Clwojick Woohoo! Thanks for sharing!❤️ 3y
15 likes1 comment
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Andrew65
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#12Booksof2020 #Day8

In December I read the Boy Called Christmas Trilogy and found myself falling in love with all of them. Delightful stories. I look forward to the film next Christmas.

Read-y_Picker Loved the first one! Saving the next 2 for next Christmas‘ TBR. Happy New Year! 4y
mrp27 I enjoyed the first one. Looking forward to reading the others. 4y
Andrew65 @Read-y_Picker I loved the second one best, something to look forward to next year. Happy New Year 🍾🥂🥳 4y
See All 8 Comments
Andrew65 @mrp27 Book 2 was my favourite. Happy New Year 🥳🍾🥂 4y
mrp27 Happy New Year! 4y
Andrew65 @mrp27 Happy New Year 🍾🥂🥳 4y
tracey38 What great covers! 4y
Andrew65 @tracey38 They are and the stories are great too. 4y
78 likes1 stack add8 comments