Beloved for her unique blend of deadpan humor and mischievous charm, actress Aubrey Plaza has extended her distinctive persona into the realm of children’s literature with her acclaimed Christmas Witch book series. Co-created with creative partner Dan Murphy and illustrated by Julia Iredale, these books introduce Kristtörn, Santa Claus’s long-lost, misunderstood twin sister. Adding to the enchantment, Plaza herself maintains a delightfully spooky holiday tradition, dressing as the Christmas Witch each year to playfully terrorize unsuspecting children, a practice she recently discussed on The Drew Barrymore Show.
Aubrey Plaza, the acclaimed actress best known for her iconic role as April Ludgate on Parks and Recreation, has captivated audiences with her distinct, often unhinged, on-screen presence. Beyond the screen, Plaza has ventured into storytelling, co-authoring a compelling series of children’s books that reimagine classic holiday folklore. At the heart of this venture is The Legend of the Christmas Witch, a tale that introduces a mysterious figure challenging the conventional narrative of Christmas.
The inspiration behind these enchanting stories, and Plaza’s personal connection to them, goes deeper than just writing a book. Her own annual holiday tradition of dressing up as a Christmas witch brings the character of Kristtörn to life in a way only Plaza could achieve, delighting fans and adding a unique twist to the festive season.
From Pawnee to Picture Books: The Genesis of Kristtörn
In 2021, Aubrey Plaza, alongside her longtime creative partner Dan Murphy, unveiled The Legend of the Christmas Witch. This hardcover picture book, illustrated by Julia Iredale, tells the “long lost tale” of Santa Claus’s much misunderstood twin sister, Kristtörn. Raised alone by a witch of the woods after being separated from her brother as a child, Kristtörn’s magical powers and temper grew in equal measure. Her perilous journey to find her twin brother culminates in a confrontation that leaves the very fate of Christmas hanging in the balance.
The book, published by Viking Books for Young Readers, quickly resonated with readers and critics alike. It offered a fresh, folklore-rich take on the holidays, weaving themes of bravery, love, and magic into a narrative unlike any traditional Christmas story. It quickly became a gift choice for the holiday season and beyond, categorized under Christmas, Kids (ages 0-6), and Picture Books. The audiobook version, read by Plaza herself, offered an additional immersive experience for young listeners and fans of the actress.
- Title: The Legend of the Christmas Witch
- Creators: Aubrey Plaza, Dan Murphy (authors), Julia Iredale (illustrator)
- Year of Publication: 2021
- Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers
- Pages: 56
- ISBN: 9780593350805 (Hardcover), 9780593455708 (Audiobook)
- Themes: Bravery, love, magic, classic folklore, self-discovery
Expanding the Lore: The Return of the Christmas Witch
The success of the first book led to a highly anticipated follow-up. In 2022, Plaza and Murphy released The Return of the Christmas Witch. This sequel sees Kristtörn awaken after centuries trapped in an icy chamber, only to discover that the Christmas she once knew is now controlled by the mysterious Kringle Corporation. Driven by a desire for more than just order—she wants revenge—Kristtörn embarks on a new journey, meeting inventive young Poppy and the sweet old reindeer Donner, who agree to help her restore Christmas to its former glory.
This second installment continued to push the boundaries of holiday storytelling, providing a modern and wonderfully witchy twist to the true spirit of Christmas. Published on October 11, 2022, also by Viking Books for Young Readers, it was targeted at slightly older children, ages 5-8 years and grades K-3, deepening the lore and expanding Kristtörn’s adventures. More details on the book, including its dimensions and sales rights, are available through Penguin Random House.
- Title: The Return of the Christmas Witch
- Creators: Aubrey Plaza, Dan Murphy (authors), Julia Iredale (illustrator)
- Year of Publication: 2022
- Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers
- Pages: 56
- ISBN: 978-0-593-35083-6
- Target Audience: Age 5-8 years | Grades K-3
Bringing the Christmas Witch to Life: Plaza’s Real-Life Yuletide Tradition
Perhaps even more captivating than the books themselves is Aubrey Plaza’s own unique holiday tradition, which she revealed on a Friday episode of The Drew Barrymore Show. Plaza confessed that every Christmas morning, she embraces the persona of the Christmas Witch, showing up at friends’ houses around 7:30 AM when their children are opening presents.
“I dress up like the Christmas witch, which is my other book series,” Plaza stated, explaining her mischievous ritual. She attempts to “steal their presents,” adding an element of “fright on Christmas morning” that, surprisingly, children seem to enjoy, always fighting back for their gifts. This playful yet unsettling tradition perfectly embodies Plaza’s signature blend of deadpan humor and theatricality, making her a real-life embodiment of the character she helped create, as reported by Entertainment Weekly.
This personal connection to the character also aligns with Plaza’s bio, which mentions her being “known to dress up like a witch every Christmas,” showcasing a consistent thread between her creative work and her personal life. She was promoting another book, Luna and the Witch Throw a Halloween Party, during this interview, further cementing her status in the children’s literature world.
The Allure of the Unexpected: Why Fans Love Plaza’s Holiday Antics
For fans of Aubrey Plaza, this holiday tradition is not just a quirky anecdote; it’s a testament to her consistent and beloved public persona. Her ability to infuse a touch of the macabre and unexpected into everyday situations, whether on Parks and Recreation or through her interviews, has cultivated a dedicated following. The Christmas Witch tradition is a natural extension of this, transforming a conventional holiday into something uniquely Aubrey Plaza.
Her appearances on talk shows often go viral, from jokingly claiming to be the ghost Joy Behar had sex with on The View, to her playful “queen of Delaware” rivalry with Joe Biden. These moments solidify her reputation as an unpredictable and endlessly entertaining figure. Her Christmas Witch escapades offer a rare glimpse into how she infuses her signature wit and charm into her own family and social circles, creating memories that are anything but conventional.
Conclusion
Through her compelling Christmas Witch book series and her delightfully spooky holiday tradition, Aubrey Plaza has carved out a unique niche in both children’s literature and festive lore. With the imaginative storytelling of Kristtörn and Plaza’s own spirited embodiment of the character, she continues to enchant and entertain. Her work reminds us that the holiday season, with all its traditions, can always benefit from a little bit of magic, a dash of mischief, and an unforgettable witch.
