More than famous for the epic Lord of the Rings stories set in Middle-earth, JRR Tolkien was also an ordinary man, a husband and a father. Especially the parental role, warm and unreserved, we can now recognize thanks to the magical realm through which the Father Christmas Letters invite us behind the curtain of Tolkien’s life. A collection of letters he originally wrote to his children, it offers a fascinating look at the correspondence between the fictional Father Christmas and Tolkien’s elves (who are probably the envy of many of us). As Argo Publishing reveals, JRR Tolkien has been writing Christmas letters to his children since 1920when his first-born son John was just three years old, to 1943, when his youngest child, daughter Priscilla, was fourteen years old.
Letters from Father Christmas: JRR Tolkien wrote Christmas letters to his children from 1920, when his first-born son John was three, to 1943, when his youngest daughter Priscilla was 14. | Argo
“Christmas House, North Pole, December 22, 1920. Dear John, I heard you asking papa what I look like and where I live. I drew you my house and myself. Pay attention to that picture. I’m just off to Oxford with my backpack of toys – some are for you. I hope to arrive in time: here at the North Pole there is a lot of snow today. Your Father Christmas.”
In his role as Father Christmas, he told them every year that he had received their Christmas wish list letters and told them about the events at the North Pole; about Christmas preparations, about his helpers, about victorious battles with goblins. He usually accompanied his make-up with drawings, his main assistant Ice Bear or his elf secretary Ilbereth intervened in his letters from time to time. With charming drawings, wit, and motifs reminiscent of Tolkien’s novels, Letters to Father Christmas is more than just a private document of family life. They first appeared in limited selection not long after Tolkien’s death; the first Czech edition from 1994 (Letters from Děda Mráze) is also based on this edition. “A new edition, bringing facsimiles and transcriptions of more or less all the letters and illustrations, was already available for publication in the Argus. This charming piece is thus reaching Czech readers in its entirety for the first time,” adds the publisher.
“The North Pole, Christmas Eve 1923. My dear John, it’s bitterly cold today and my hand is shaking—I’m nineteen twenty-four on Christmas Day, no! seven! years – much more than your great-grandfather, so I can’t hold the pen properly, it’s still wobbling, but I hear you’re getting better and better at reading now, so I hope you’ll be able to read my letter yourself…”
The book really captures the spirit of Christmas through a series of beautifully illustrated letters sent from the North Pole to Tolkien’s children over several years. Filled with mischievous stories, vivid descriptions and endearing characters that bring the holiday season to life, Tolkien’s creativity and love of storytelling shines brightly through the letters. One of the most magical parts of the book are the author’s illustrations. The drawings and paintings prove Tolkien’s talent and creativity, adding another layer of magic to the book. Polar bears and gnomes enhance the feelings and experiences of reading. Thanks to them, the book will appeal to and dazzle readers of all ages.
Perhaps this is how JRR Tolkien wrote holiday letters to his children, which were published as Letters to Father Christmas. (illustrative photo) | Blesk – yes, Midjourney AI
“The house on the cliff, North Pole, December 23, 1931. My dear children, I hope you will like the little things I have sent you. You seem to be most interested in trains right now, so I’m mainly sending you stuff of that nature. As always, I think of you with love, actually more than ever. Old Polar Bear and I were very happy to receive so many letters from you and your pets. If you think we haven’t read them, you’re wrong…”
Even in the shortest messages, Tolkien’s storytelling mastery is clearly visible. He weaves in them the much adored elements of fantasy, mixing them with the joy and wonder of Christmas. The stories about the northern polar bear and his antics, the events of the elves and the stories of Father Christmas himself cause a small smile here, outright laughter elsewhere. Older fans of the writer will appreciate the personal and moving insight into Tolkien’s family life. The letters reflect his deep affection for children, his efforts to create magical moments for them. In addition to being a more than welcome companion for these days and evenings, the book thus becomes a warm testimony to the importance of imagination, family and the enduring magic of Christmas.
“The House on the Cliff, North Pole, Christmas 1943. My dear Priscilla, Merry Christmas! I reckon you’ll hang up your stocking one more time: at least I hope so, because I’ve got a few more tidbits for you. And then I’ll have to say goodbye to you one way or another: but that doesn’t mean I’ll forget you. We always keep the old numbers of our old friends and their letters here; and I hope we will come back to them again when they grow up and have their own house and children…”
The Father Christmas Letters are a picturesque, fragile, enchanting gem that captures the essence of the holidays in Tolkien’s storytelling spirit. Without necessarily being a devoted fan of his work, the collection will become a joyous celebration of Christmas for you too, probably a beloved tradition, when you will open it again and againwade through the snowy pages of an adventure you’ll want to experience yourself.
