Father Christmas (comics)
| Author | Raymond Briggs |
|---|---|
| Illustrator | Raymond Briggs |
| Cover artist | Raymond Briggs |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Children's graphic novel |
| Publisher | Hamish Hamilton |
|
Publication date
|
1973 |
| Media type | Print (hardcover) |
| Pages | 32pp |
| ISBN | |
| OCLC | 788505364 |
| LC Class | LCC PZ7.B7646 Fat3 |
| Followed by | Father Christmas Goes on Holiday |
Father Christmas is a British children's picture book written and drawn by Raymond Briggs and published by Hamish Hamilton in 1973. Briggs won the annual Kate Greenaway Medal from the Library Association, recognising the year's best children's book illustration by a British subject. For the 50th anniversary of the Medal (1955–2005), a panel named it one of the top ten winning works, which composed the ballot for a public election of the nation's favourite.
Father Christmas presents a dramatically different modern interpretation of the character. Far from being jolly, this Father Christmas is a brusque man who works from a normal house with the usual tasks involved with his delivery on Christmas Eve. There is no sign of either Mrs. Claus (apart from a hanging wall picture in one scene, suggesting he is a widower) or the elves in this apparently solo operation. Living with him are his cat and dog, and two reindeer. While he bumbles and mumbles about his work and life, it is clear he has a deep affection for his animals (he gives his cat and dog presents) and enjoys his work. He comes across as a stereotypical old man who complains about everything but ultimately loves what he does.
The book depicts Father Christmas' deliveries as he deals with a range of unusual residences while taking welcome breaks with liquor put out for him. Along the way, Father Christmas talks to only one person, a milkman intended to represent the author's father, Ernest Briggs. Despite his difficulties, Father Christmas completes his itinerary with his last stop being apparently Buckingham Palace.
Upon returning home, Father Christmas opens his own presents. He grumpily disapproves of his own presents (apart from a bottle of liquor from Fred), but a jollier, more festive side of him also starts to show as he sings carols in the shower and calls his Christmas dinner "Lovely grub!" Exhausted after his travels, he retires to bed, though not before giving his cat and dog their own presents and wishing the reader "Happy Blooming Christmas!"
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