Christmas is a time for giving and sharing because the joyous festival spreads laughter, goodwill and peace throughout the globe.

During Christmas people exchange gifts and pray for each other’s good health and happiness and amidst all these, the role of Santa Claus is undeniable.

Santa Claus – an individual who gives gifts to the children, who brightens up their lives and who cannot leave anyone heartbroken is the favourite of every child.

The book glorifies the presence of Santa and his elves and shows how irrespective of every hindrance, Christmas still continues to be celebrated every year.

The story opens with the introduction of Grey, a child who had been abandoned in the North Star orphanage on the eve of Christmas.

He grows up to be hostile and ignorant of anybody and is often bullied by his fellow mates as well.

But Grey is soon welcomed by an unknown man named Nicholas Saint.

Grey is gifted with a new life where everyone takes care of him, they bother about his happiness and well-being.

On one occasion, Grey comes to know about the real identity of Nicholas Saint and recognises him as the famous Santa Claus, the one who gives happiness to all the children.

But why was Grey chosen by Nicholas? What did Grey do when he came to know the reality? How did his life change?

All these have been beautifully created by Sanjamm Vijan with a lot of twists and turns to make the story more interesting and engaging for the children.

The narrative also teaches the children the meaning of love and care and how we can help others in order to find our own happiness.

Due to the usage of short and simple sentences, the young readers will not have a problem in understanding, rather they would enjoy the progression of events even more.

The intricate details of all the characters and how they change with the course of time is another interesting thing to note.

It is a short and sweet read for all the children out there who love the fun and frolic of Christmas.

This Christmas, Adopted by Santa is a must-read book, not only for children but also for those who want to enjoy something easy yet different and positive.

(Reviewed by Sayantani Sengupta)