Quote of the Day: Your Loving Father Christmas

 

“Dear John, I heard you ask daddy what I was like and where I lived. I have drawn me and my house for you. Take care of the picture. I am just off now for Oxford with my bundle of toys — some for you. Hope I shall arrive in time: the snow is very thick at the North Pole tonight. Your loving Father Christmas” — J.R.R. Tolkein, Letters From Father Christmas, Houghton Mifflin Company, 1995

This was the first of the yearly letters that Tolkien, writing as Father Christmas, sent to his children. Each year he would pen a new letter, in a deliberately shaky hand and script that was unique to the Father Christmas, to those of his children who were old enough (but not too old) to still be hanging their stockings up on the mantle. The letters would come in envelopes with unique North Pole stamps and postmarks, and often had illustrations of life at the North Pole. These letters ran from 1920 through 1943, from the time when his eldest, John, was quite young, to when his youngest, Edith, was nearly grown.

Over the years, Father Christmas revealed more and more about his world and the characters in it. The letters introduce the prankish Great Polar Bear, his relatives, elves, marauding goblins who set out to ruin Christmas, and assorted other figures. Some of the characters even wrote letters of their own (in their own unique hands) or append their own thoughts to the margins and ends of Father’s letters. The early letters are more whimsical in nature, but as the 1930s drew to a close they reflect the general state of worry about impending war as reflected in Father’s own wars with the goblins.

We also get glimpses of Tolkien’s home life, as Father answers the children’s questions, or notes how they have recently moved, or even become too old and mature to be receiving letters from him anymore.

The letters have been published in assorted, and usually abridged ways in the US over the years, but you can occasionally still find a copy of the complete set, with plates of the original letters set alongside printed versions for easier reading. There is also an audiobook version narrated by Derek Jacobi, which is terrific.

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There are 6 comments.

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  1. She Member
    She
    @She

    It is indeed a lovely book.  Thanks for the reminder, Skip.

    • #1
  2. Larry3435 Inactive
    Larry3435
    @Larry3435

    I am deeply comforted that none of Santa’s dispatches express any worry about global warming.

    • #2
  3. Boss Mongo Member
    Boss Mongo
    @BossMongo

    Badass.  Thanks, Skip.

    • #3
  4. Ekosj Member
    Ekosj
    @Ekosj

    I had no idea.  What a great tip.   Thanks!

    • #4
  5. Arahant Member
    Arahant
    @Arahant

    As Skip said, this is part of our Quote of the Day Series. If this reminded you of an interesting quote that might precipitate a fascinating conversation, why not sign up for starting a conversation in the series? We still have December 23rd, 25th, 29th, and 30th available.

    • #5
  6. Hartmann von Aue Member
    Hartmann von Aue
    @HartmannvonAue

    We read these every year! Thanks!

    • #6
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