Father Christmas (comics)
Father Christmas is a British children's graphic novel 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 brash 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's 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's clear he has a deep affection for his animals (he gives his cat and dog presents and refers to his reindeer as "m'dears") 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 complications such as unusual residences and ill-health 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 disapproving of all his presents (apart from a bottle of liquor from Fred), but his jollier, festive side starts to show as he sings Christmas carols in the shower and declares his Christmas dinner to be "Lovely grub!"
Coward, McCann & Geoghan published the U.S. edition of Father Christmas in October (ISBN 978-0-698-20272-6). Kirkus gave the book a starred review, signifying remarkable merit. In part, "Briggs projects Santa's day in comic strip sequence and balloon monologue, from his waking from a dream of sun ... You don't have to be British to take to this very human Father Christmas -- but it helps to have an open eye for all the throwaway background detail."
Read more about Father Christmas (comics): Sequel and Adaptation
Famous quotes containing the words father and/or christmas:
“A father ... knows exactly what those boys at the mall have in their depraved little minds because he once owned such a depraved little mind himself. In fact, if he thinks enough about the plans that he used to have for young girls, the father not only will support his wife in keeping their daughter home but he might even run over to the mall and have a few of those boys arrested.”
—Bill Cosby (20th century)
“I heard the bells, on Christmas Day,
Their old, familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet
The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good will to men.”
—Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1809–1882)