Step into the wickedly enchanting world of Aubrey Plaza’s Christmas Witch, where the tale of Santa Claus’s mischievous twin sister comes to life not just in bestselling children’s books, but also through Plaza’s own delightfully peculiar holiday tradition of surprising children on Christmas morning.
For fans of the unconventional and the playfully mischievous, the holiday season now holds an extra layer of magic, thanks to actress Aubrey Plaza. Known for her distinctive roles in productions like Parks and Recreation, Plaza has expanded her creative horizons into the realm of children’s literature, co-creating a compelling new piece of holiday folklore: The Christmas Witch.
This isn’t just a simple story; it’s a re-imagining of Yuletide tradition, brought to life through a series of critically acclaimed books and even an annual, real-life performance by Plaza herself. Dive deep into the legend of Kristtörn, Santa’s long-lost twin, and discover how Plaza is putting her own wonderfully witchy spin on Christmas.
The Legend Begins: Unveiling The Legend of the Christmas Witch
The journey into this new holiday lore commenced in 2021 with the publication of The Legend of the Christmas Witch. Co-written by Aubrey Plaza and her long-time creative partner Dan Murphy, and beautifully illustrated by Julia Iredale, this picture book introduces a character destined to become a staple of modern Christmas tales: Kristtörn, Santa Claus’s much-misunderstood twin sister.
The narrative begins many years ago, when Kristtörn was separated from her brother as a child. Raised in solitude by a mysterious witch of the woods, her innate magical powers grew, as did her fiery temper. Driven by a deep-seated desire to reunite with her lost twin, Kristtörn embarks on a perilous, ocean-spanning quest. What she discovers, however, is not just her brother, but a profound fear of her own powers and a climactic confrontation that leaves the very fate of Christmas hanging in a delicate balance. The book, published by Viking Books for Young Readers, was lauded by Kirkus Reviews as a “well-written and thought-provoking tale” and praised by Booklist for its rich “fairy tale tradition,” evoking the magic of the Grimms and Andersen.
The Return of Kristtörn: The Return of the Christmas Witch
The captivating story of Kristtörn continued with the highly anticipated follow-up, The Return of the Christmas Witch, released in 2022. This sequel deepens the lore, finding Kristtörn awakening after centuries trapped within an icy chamber, only to discover a vastly changed world where the holiday she cherishes has been commercialized and controlled by the enigmatic Kringle Corporation.
Determined to reclaim the true spirit of Christmas, Kristtörn embarks on another extraordinary journey. Along the way, she encounters resourceful young Poppy and the gentle reindeer Donner, who pledge to aid her in restoring Christmas to its former glory. However, Kristtörn’s motives are more complex than simply restoring order; she also harbors a powerful desire for revenge. This installment, also from Penguin Young Readers | Viking Books for Young Readers, further cements Plaza and Murphy’s vision, offering a modern and wonderfully witchy twist on the traditional Christmas narrative.
Aubrey Plaza, the Christmas Witch in Real Life
Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the Christmas Witch legend is Aubrey Plaza’s own embrace of the character beyond the pages of her books. As revealed on The Drew Barrymore Show, Plaza maintains a truly unique and delightfully mischievous holiday tradition. Each Christmas morning, she fully embodies the role of the Christmas Witch, appearing at friends’ homes around 7:30 AM as children are unwrapping their gifts.
Her mission? To playfully attempt to steal their presents, adding an unexpected element of “fright” and fun to the holiday. Plaza notes that the children, far from being truly scared, enthusiastically “fight back,” engaging in a memorable festive tussle. This real-life embodiment of the character showcases Plaza’s signature dry wit and her commitment to fostering a slightly unconventional, yet utterly charming, holiday spirit, as reported by Entertainment Weekly.
The Creative Minds Behind the Magic
The enchanting world of The Christmas Witch is the result of a powerful creative collaboration. Aubrey Plaza, known for her acting prowess, brings her distinctive voice and vision to the storytelling. Her partner in this venture, Dan Murphy, a seasoned writer and producer, has been her creative collaborator for over fifteen years, ensuring a cohesive and engaging narrative.
The visual splendor of the books is courtesy of illustrator Julia Iredale. Her artwork, steeped in a rich, illuminated style and deeply saturated colors, captures the essence of classic fairy tales, lending the stories a timeless, magical quality reminiscent of the Brothers Grimm and Hans Christian Andersen. Together, this trio has successfully woven a tale of bravery, love, and magic that truly redefines what we thought we knew about Christmas.
Fan Reception and Embracing the Alternative Holiday Spirit
The Christmas Witch series has resonated strongly with audiences who appreciate its fresh, imaginative take on holiday traditions. The concept of Santa Claus’s misunderstood twin sister offers a compelling alternative narrative, one that explores themes of identity, acceptance, and the balance between light and shadow inherent in classic folklore. Fans have embraced Kristtörn’s journey of self-discovery and her struggle to reconcile her magical powers with the world around her, offering a modern myth that feels both new and deeply rooted in tradition.
Aubrey Plaza’s personal connection to the character, particularly her annual Christmas morning antics, has further endeared the Christmas Witch to her fanbase. It’s a testament to her unique appeal that she can seamlessly transition from beloved comedic roles to crafting intricate children’s narratives, all while maintaining her signature quirky charm.
Where to Find the Christmas Witch Tales
For those eager to delve into the captivating world of Kristtörn, both The Legend of the Christmas Witch and The Return of the Christmas Witch are widely available. Readers can choose from hardcover editions, digital ebooks, or even an audiobook version of the first book, narrated personally by Aubrey Plaza, offering an immersive listening experience. The books are categorized for young readers, typically ages 5-8 years, making them a perfect addition to any family’s holiday collection. More detailed information on the series can be found through the publisher, Penguin Young Readers.
