What is it about Christmas that gives it its spark? Seeing the film A Boy Called Christmas, I realized that behind the presents and legends of a man in a red suit with flying reindeers lies the true meaning of Christmas. The meaning that people are starting to lose sight of.

The film is an adaptation of the legend of Santa Claus, a story of a boy named Nikolas who lived in a time where no one knew about Christmas. Nikolas is depicted as a person with a pure heart and a kind soul despite living in a place that is barren of happiness.

This story adds a twist to the mystical tale that we know of. It places a relatable character who, like many of us, searches for hope and wonders that can help us endure hardships. The approach engages the audience with the struggles of everyday life and finding the purpose for the trials that we face.

Even in living a simple life, Nikolas was never one to complain about it. He instead, confided in his late mother’s story of Elfhelm, the most magical and happiest place in the world. Leading to an unexpected journey to Elfhelm, in hopes of finding what could revive the happiness of his land’s people.

What intrigued me the most in this adaptation was how along Nikolas’ journey, he had helped many who were not treated fairly just because of who or what they were. These same individuals assisted him on his mission in return for his kindness. This reflects how being kind goes a long way, that it would not hurt to appreciate the people around us.

Through believing in something of good will, Nikolas was able to cast magic amidst the problems he had to fix. Though it is fictitious, it was the way the film expresses how truly believing in something will help make your wishes come true.

In bringing his good will to Elfhelm, Nikolas saw the joy in the people’s faces, as they moved on from the problems they had experienced and immediately called for a celebration, which the land had called Christmas. Seeing this, Nikolas found the answer to his journey and returned home on a flying reindeer with a red sack filled with toys made by the people of Elfhelm.

He had decided to spread the love and happiness he had learnt from Elfhelm to his homeland, giving the children presents in the night, and even giving sweets and treats to those who have not been good to his life, a sign of generosity and forgiveness.

As the morning arrived, families were filled with joy seeing their excited children and those who were gloomy had grateful smiles on their faces. It was a day where everyone was happy. An event that has long since became a tradition of giving back to the people in our lives.

Such was the origin of Christmas, a tale that did not center on the materials one receives, but the thought put into giving those gifts and the joy that the people gain from it. In the search for hope, what was found was something we had within us all along, the people by our side.

A Boy Called Christmas was not just a retelling of Santa Claus’ tale, it was a retelling of Christmas’ purpose, to find happiness in the smiles of others. Not everyone we meet may have that positivity, but the light in our hearts will kindle theirs, sharing the spirit of Christmas.