 Father Christmas by Raymond Briggs
Father Christmas is a British children's graphic novel written and drawn by Raymond Briggs and published by Hamish Hamilton in 1973. Briggs won the annual Kate Greenaway Medal from the Library Association, recognising the year's best children's book illustration by a British subject. For the 50th anniversary of the Medal (1955–2005), a panel named it one of the top ten winning works, which composed the ballot for a public election of the nation's favourite.
Father Christmas 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 (apart from a hanging wall picture in one scene, suggesting he's a widower)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 a range of unusual residences while taking welcome breaks with liquor put out for him. Along the way, Father Christmas talks to only two people, 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. He also talks to the dry cleaner, as he picks up his red suit before making all his deliveries on Christmas Eve.
Upon returning home, Father Christmas opens his own presents. He grumpily disapproves of his own presents (apart from a bottle of liquor from Fred), but his jollier, festive side also starts to show as he sings Christmas carols in the shower and eats his Christmas dinner with great satisfaction: "Lovely grub!"
Coward, McCann & Geoghan published the U.S. edition of Father Christmas in October (ISBN 978-0-698-20272-6). Kirkus gave the book a starred review, signifying remarkable merit. In part, "Briggs projects Santa's day in comic strip sequence and balloon monologue, from his waking from a dream of sun ... You don't have to be British to take to this very human Father Christmas -- but it helps to have an open eye for all the throwaway background detail."
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