The Podcast of the Lotus Eaters PREVIEW: Chronicles #27 | Letters From Father Christmas
Dec 20, 2025
Explore the whimsical world of Tolkien's Letters from Father Christmas, a delightful collection of letters he penned to his children over 23 years. Discover the enchanting illustrations and the fascinating backstory behind the Great Polar Bear, who assists Santa with holiday preparations. Uncover the chaos of 1925, when a broken pole caused quite a stir, leading to humorous escapades with moonmen and mischievous antics from the Polar Bear's nephews. Experience the magical blend of adventure and laughter that captures the spirit of the season.
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Discovery Over Invention
- Tolkien treated the North Pole as an already-existing world to be discovered rather than invented from scratch.
- This mirrors his approach to Middle-earth and lends authenticity and depth to the letters' narrative.
Tolkien's Family Letters As Fictional Gifts
- J.R.R. Tolkien framed private letters as Father Christmas to his children across decades, writing in character and sending drawings and envelopes.
- These playful letters introduced recurring characters like the Great Polar Bear and mixed childlike wonder with detailed worldbuilding.
Polar Bear's Comic Catastrophes
- The Great Polar Bear speaks in blocky letters and narrates mishaps like breaking the North Pole roof and falling into the house.
- These episodes create ongoing comic disasters that become recurring plot elements across letters.