Christmas
Naturally, Christmas is an important theme in Father Christmas, which is a reinterpretation of the character of Father Christmas. Not only that, but the novel also takes place during the Christmas season, a time that is typically joyful and filled with positive things. But in author Raymond Briggs' version of the story, Father Christmas has a grumpy exterior, but a warm heart—something which is antithetical to the holiday and more generally, the season. It is against the backdrop and theme of Christmas that Briggs paints the picture of a man who so many children have look up to for years. Briggs' story humanizes a man who many have thought was not human and also illuminates an important lesson: the heroes that people look up to are humans too and have flaws and different opinions.
Reindeer
In his novel, Briggs tells readers that Father Christmas lives with his wife, Mrs. Claus, and a half dozen animals, including two reindeer. As in previous tellings of Father Christmas/Santa Claus' story, the reindeer are representative of the magic in Father Christmas/Santa's life. They are also thematically relevant because their inclusion in the novel showcases why animal preservation and the fight against climate change is important. Without fighting for animal preservation and against climate change, Father Christmas' reindeer will likely not exist anymore.
The destructive power of a negative attitude
One of the most significant themes in the novel is the destructive power of a negative attitude. In the novel, Briggs characterizes Father Christmas a man with a negative attitude and an even more negative exterior who never seems to be happy. And because of his negative attitude, Father Christmas has a negative outlook on life and acts out in unbecoming ways. Despite his destructive negative attitude, Father Christmas has a wonderful job and an equally fabulous heart. His negative attitude has shockingly never impacted his love for his job and his heart, both of which are hidden underneath his gruff exterior. There is a lesson in this: people should consider their circumstances before destroying it as a result of their bad attitude.
