A child who wants Christmas magic, a grandparent who wants to be in the story, and a family who wants to remember this year’s traditions need different books. Start with the story, then decide how to make and give it.
Which Christmas story fits your gift?
| Choose | If the child would enjoy | Who can join |
|---|---|---|
| The Nutcracker | A Christmas Eve gift coming alive and a magical adventure | A godfather role and a Nutcracker prince role |
| Where Is Santa’s Reindeer? | Helping Santa solve a festive problem | A grandfather, father or uncle as Santa |
| Your own Christmas idea | A familiar house, relatives and a tradition they recognise | Choose the people your idea needs, within the book’s character limit |
The Nutcracker: a gift within the story
Choose this for a child who likes dolls, toy soldiers and magical journeys. A grandparent or uncle can take the part of the godfather bringing the gift. Open The Nutcracker story page for its current roles and book settings.
Where Is Santa’s Reindeer?: a job for a small hero
A missing reindeer gives the child something to do, with Santa alongside them. It is a ready-made story, distinct from writing your own festive prompt. See the missing reindeer story and Santa’s family role.
A Christmas that belongs to your family
Start with one true detail: a cousin’s visit, the decoration the child always chooses, or a grandparent’s Christmas Eve ritual. Give the child a small problem to solve and a warm ending. Our own-story guide includes a practical prompt structure and a feature demonstration.
Make it together, or keep it a surprise
- For a surprise: ask a parent for the child’s photo and choose a tale they already like.
- For grandparents: choose a story with a suitable relative’s role. Read grandparent gift ideas.
- For two children: check the story’s roles before choosing the photos. See books for siblings.
- For a family activity: let the child choose the look and contribute the problem the hero will solve.
Prepare a gift that is ready to read
Read the digital book before giving it or ordering print. Check every name, face and page, and choose a printed copy only after checking the destination’s delivery estimate. Creation, printing and shipping times vary; this page is not a guaranteed Christmas delivery deadline.
Use the Christmas gift planning guide for timing and photos, and digital versus printed books to choose the format.
For another occasion, explore Gift Ideas. For an actual finished book, read a complete example before making your own.