Father Christmas (graphic novel)
Encyclopedia
Father Christmas is not real is a British
graphic novel
written and drawn by Raymond Briggs
, published in 1973.
The book 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
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, grumpily disapproving of all his presents apart from a bottle of liquor from Fred.
The book won the Library Association
Kate Greenaway Medal
for 1973.
The book is followed by a sequel, Father Christmas Goes on Holiday known as Father Christmas Goes on Vacation in France. The two books were also adapted into an animated short entitled Father Christmas
.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
graphic novel
Graphic novel
A graphic novel is a narrative work in which the story is conveyed to the reader using sequential art in either an experimental design or in a traditional comics format...
written and drawn by Raymond Briggs
Raymond Briggs
Raymond Redvers Briggs is an English illustrator, cartoonist, graphic novelist, and author who has achieved critical and popular success among adults and children...
, published in 1973.
The book 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
Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve refers to the evening or entire day preceding Christmas Day, a widely celebrated festival commemorating the birth of Jesus of Nazareth that takes place on December 25...
. There is no sign of either Mrs. Claus
Mrs. Claus
Mrs. Claus is the wife of Santa Claus, the Christmas gift-bringer in North American Christmas tradition.While Santa Claus himself emerged from the 1820s from a number of traditions of European folklore, Mrs...
or the elves in this apparently solo operation. Living with him are his Cat and Dog and two reindeer
Reindeer
The reindeer , also known as the caribou in North America, is a deer from the Arctic and Subarctic, including both resident and migratory populations. While overall widespread and numerous, some of its subspecies are rare and one has already gone extinct.Reindeer vary considerably in color and size...
. 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
Milkman
A milkman is a person, traditionally male, who delivers milk in milk bottles or cartons. Milk deliveries frequently occur in the morning and it is not uncommon for milkmen to deliver products other than milk such as eggs, cream, cheese, butter, yogurt or soft drinks...
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
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace, in London, is the principal residence and office of the British monarch. Located in the City of Westminster, the palace is a setting for state occasions and royal hospitality...
.
Upon returning home, Father Christmas opens his own presents, grumpily disapproving of all his presents apart from a bottle of liquor from Fred.
The book won the Library Association
Library association
Library association may refer to:* Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals, previously the Library Association...
Kate Greenaway Medal
Kate Greenaway Medal
The Kate Greenaway Medal was established in the United Kingdom in 1955 in honour of the children's illustrator, Kate Greenaway. The medal is given annually to an outstanding work of illustration in children's literature. It is awarded by Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals...
for 1973.
The book is followed by a sequel, Father Christmas Goes on Holiday known as Father Christmas Goes on Vacation in France. The two books were also adapted into an animated short entitled Father Christmas
Father Christmas (1991 film)
Father Christmas is a 1991 animated short based on two books written by Raymond Briggs: Father Christmas and Father Christmas Goes on Holiday, published in 1973 and 1975 respectively. It was first aired in Britain in 1991 on Channel 4, nine years after The Snowman, another animated Briggs...
.