Why I Love Christmas

By Michael Wagner & Tom Jellett

Reviewed by Meg Rowe

From the CBCA Honor Award winning team that brought us Dirt by Sea, Michael Wagner and Tom Jellett, join forces again with Why I Love Christmas, a fun, festive picture book, that follows other titles and familiar characters in their series, Why I Love Footy and Why I Love Summer. 

Remember the excitement of Christmas as a child? From the beginning of December when the first window of the advent calendar is prised open (‘don’t open them all like last year!’), to the decorations and lights, street parties, Christmas concerts, making and buying gifts, the excitement of Santa and opening presents on Christmas day, Wagner & Jellet’s, Why I Love Christmas is a celebration of the things that make an Australian Christmas unique – right down to the fake snow in the middle of a sweltering Australian summer!

Children from all cultural backgrounds will enjoy talking about their family’s Christmas traditions, comparing similarities and differences with their classmates, parents and grandparents’ experiences. Wagner’s gentle introduction of bittersweet emotions when a family member is missing from the celebrations brings a richer layer to the narrative and Tom Jellett’s warm, energetic illustrations beautifully capture the magic, anticipation and busy flurry of Christmassy activities and events in the month leading up to Christmas.

While the story is told from one child’s experience and perspective, Wagner’s central theme, that sharing family traditions and spending time with loved ones is the best part of Christmas, is a message for everyone, making Why I Love Christmas a welcome addition to the Santa Sack.

Penguin 2024

Michael Wagner

Tom Jellett