The Thing About Christmas by Jo Dabrowski. Illus. by Briony Stewart

With Christmas almost upon us, it is a time when the everything is about December 25. The plethora of advertisements, promotions and discussions on all types of media including print, broadcast, social and digital can often leave young readers, for whom Christmas may not be quite the same as others, feeling like they may be missing out. 

…The thing is, when your Christmas isn’t like that
it might get you thinking or feeling quite flat.
It may lead you to ask if it’s Christmas at all.
Is Christmas still Christmas if Christmas is small?...

A beautiful new picture book The Thing About Christmas written by Jo Dabrowski and strikingly illustrated by Briony Stewart, explores many different types of Christmas celebrations where families come together in a way that is unique and special to them. In engaging rhyming text, children will learn that there is no one way to celebrate Christmas:

…There are still a few presents, but they’re not very grand.
Some aren’t what you hoped for, all they’re all second-hand.
The lights blew a fuse, and the baubles aren’t shiny.
There isn’t a turkey, just a chook that’s quite tiny.
Of maybe your Christmas is split up in two,
and the one thing you wished for didn’t come true…

The rhyming verse is skilfully executed and flows harmoniously across the pages of colourful, vibrant images, showing diversity and inclusivity that perfectly complement the sensitive and thoughtful text. 

This wonderful new release is an important book to share with students. Not all Christmases are the same and it is never too early for children to begin to understand this. The most valuable message about Christmas that comes from reading this book is that love between families is what really matters. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. 

Educator Notes: xmas-the-thing-about-christmas.pdf

Themes: Christmas, Diversity, Family, Home, Friends, Celebrations, Connecting, Love, Traditions.

Kathryn Beilby