Santa’s First Christmas by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Sydney Smith is not a new idea (how does Santa celebrate/does Santa celebrate Christmas), but the way they present it is fun and clever. Maybe it was not WOW but I chuckled. After all, if the elves won’t let Santa eat the cookies for You-Know-Who who comes tonight, HOW will they get eaten?
You see, one Christmas Eve the elves decide (after many years of watching Santa work all year, work all that one night, sleep in a half hour later on Christmas and go back to work) to make a Christmas for Santa. They meet him in the morning with some breakfast for him, they decorate, they cut down a tree, they have all the food and fun the day allows. But what about presents? Well a special Sort-of-You-Know-Who takes the cake…um…. cookie …. and takes care of that, too.
The illustrations are nice, cozy, again, not wow, but definitely not lacking. The adventure unfolds slowly, but keeps you wondering what is next. They allow for a classical touch, but keep things modern as well. As the adult reading, the images really gave off the vibes of “well meaning children” (the elves) trying to make the day super nice for their grown up, with the grandfatherly figure playing along, and even enjoying himself.
Good for anyone who has ever asked their grownup, or themselves, Does Santa celebrate Christmas? Officially not currently available, it will be by the end of October 2024. Or find an online reader copy like I did.