Why Black Santa Books Belong in Every Holiday Story Collection
Close your eyes and picture Santa Claus.
Chances are, the image in your mind is of a jolly, white-bearded man with rosy cheeks and pale skin. That image has been repeated so often, in so many places, that many people see it as the only version of Santa that feels “real.”
But here’s the reality that most of us have forgotten: Santa is an idea. A symbol. (Did you know that the image we are used to seeing was made popular by Coca-Cola?)
Santa is a story passed down through generations. The great thing about stories is that they are meant to evolve. Santa doesn’t have to look one specific way. Picture books with a Black Santa Claus belong in every holiday story collection. They remind us all that Christmas and the Christmas spirit don’t have to fit into a certain one-size-fits-all mold.
Representation During the Holiday Season Is Not a Trend—It’s a Necessity
Holiday books and movies play a huge role in how children experience the Christmas season. The flashing lights of department store windows, the excitement of a Christmas fair, or singing holiday songs with family and friends, it’s all full of fun, wonder, tradition, and holiday magic. But when a child never sees someone who looks like them included in that magic, the unspoken message is: “This isn’t for you.”
That’s the kind of message that seeps into identity, self-worth, and even dreams.
Black Santa isn’t about replacing anyone. It’s about expanding the magic. Making room for all children to feel seen, celebrated, and welcomed in the most joyful time of year.
The Magic of Christmas and Black Santa
For many families, the magic of Christmas is made even more special by the presence of Black Santa Claus. When a child sees Santa with brown skin, in a children’s book, at a shopping mall, or even on TV, it tells them:
“You belong here.”
“You are part of the story.”
“Your family matters, your traditions matter, and your joy matters.”
I started the In the Nick of Time series years ago because I couldn’t find any stories that featured one of my favorite holiday storylines: a Black child who gets to help Santa save the day. I wanted my kids to have a new classic to read on Christmas Eve—one that made them feel seen and included.
Children’s books featuring Black Santa Claus and diverse holiday traditions open up a beautiful world where every child can see themselves as part of the Christmas story. Instead of limiting the holiday season, Black Santa is one of many ways to honor all families and all family traditions during the holidays.
Why Children’s Books With a Black Santa Claus Are For All Families
Black Santa books aren’t just for Black families. They are for every family. Picture books with Black Santa promote:
- Inclusion
- Empathy
- A broader, more accurate world view
When non-Black children read stories featuring a Black Santa, it helps expand their world view. It nurtures curiosity and reminds them that the world is beautifully diverse. Christmas magic, love, and generosity come in every size, shape, and color.
When children of all backgrounds see Santa in different skin tones, robes, languages, and cultures, it gently teaches them one of the most powerful lessons of all: Diversity is not a threat. It’s a gift.
How to Add Picture Books With Black Santa To Your Bookshelf
It may not be the holiday season quite yet but its never too early to start embracing the Christmas spirit. My newest book, Hope In The Nick of Time, is a beautifully illustrated holiday story that you can read all year long.
This is the third book in the Nick of Time Series. In this tale, Nick Saint is navigating the hustle and bustle of New York City during the holiday season. Unfortunately, his day is not going as planned. From slushy streets to spilled gelato, it feels like nothing is going right.
A surprise encounter shifts Nick’s perspective as he learns about “hoping skills”—practical ways to find the good, even when life feels overwhelming. Through fresh eyes, Nick discovers that small mindset shifts can create something truly magical.
This powerful story isn’t just for kids. It speaks to readers of all ages and backgrounds. It encourages us to look for hope in unlikely places and reminds us that sometimes, especially when hope feels lost, it’s our chance to create it.
With its timely themes and universal appeal, Hope In The Nick of Time is the perfect gift for all the kids in your life. Reading this book together is one of the best ways to keep the holiday hope and joy alive all year long. Preorder Hope In The Nick of Time today to be among the first to enjoy this empowering story.
Embrace the Full Magic of the Christmas Spirit
Reading picture books with diverse family traditions and joyous celebrations that may look nothing like your own is the perfect way to expand your child’s worldview and show them even more of the magical world we live in. It doesn’t matter what time of year it is, you can celebrate diversity, hope, and love by:
Making diverse books part of your reading rotation.
The more often kids see windows into other cultures, ways of life, the more they will recognize that life doesn’t have to look a certain way to be “right”.
Not sure how to find truly diverse books? This list will help.
Talking about traditions and holidays around the world.
Expose your children to the beautiful, diverse world we live in as early as possible. Celebrate cultural curiosity.
Seeking out books that feature Black Santas and diverse traditions.
Did you know that even just checking out diverse books at the library helps keep them in circulation? Help diverse holiday stories become just as common as any other. Let’s make December the most wonderful time of year for all of us. Holiday magic isn’t about one face. It’s about every child feeling like the magic includes them.
There’s no better time to open up your child’s world—one story at a time. Preorder your copy of Hope In the Nick of Time today so that your whole family can experience a little extra hope, joy and holiday magic.