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Father Christmas doesn’t always wear red suits and have a white beard.
Sometimes Father Christmas is a Sunday school teacher.
I don’t really remember her face, although I’ll bet good money she didn’t have a beard.
But I’ll never forget her.
Mrs. Graf.
She struck a deal with me that I couldn’t resist. “Memorize the books of the Bible, and I’ll give you one of the Chronicles of Narnia books.”
Little did she know that I would have memorized the whole Bible to get my hands on those books!
It wasn’t too long before I got two books from her – Prince Caspian and The Last Battle. I still greatly treasure them today, so many years later. Although I’ve been given other sets of all seven books, the ones she gave me are the ones I pick up first.
To top this off, this wasn’t even the best gift she gave me.
This memory of mine probably isn’t helping you since the person you are buying for has most likely read The Chronicles of Narnia a dozen times as well as watched the movies.
If you want to give a gift that will be treasured for years like Father Christmas and Mrs. Graf, take a look at the following list.
1. The Chronicles of Narnia Official Coloring Book
The biggest problem I have with this book is that they start with The Magician’s Nephew instead of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (more of that later). I love this book with its original artwork from Pauline Baynes. I also love the quotes that they include with the pictures.
Growing up, my sister and I always had an eye on my brother’s cool trucks and toys he got. Rhindon is technically King Peter’s Christmas gift, but I don’t think he would mind if the Narnian in your house would like one too. There are always giants to battle. Parents, don’t worry. This sword comes unsharpened.
3. “Courage, dear heart” T-Shirt
While bracing for the unknown and facing terrible fears, Aslan breathes on Lucy and whispers, “Courage, dear heart.” This is one of my favorite quotes from The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. In these times of trouble, this t-shirt is a great reminder that God is still in control.
4. I’m on Aslan’s Side Candle
In The Silver Chair, Puddleglum is in darkest time of his life (both literally and figuratively). Fighting the darkness with all he has, he utters these words “I’m on Aslan’s side even if there isn’t any Aslan to lead it. I’m going to live as like a Narnian as I can even if there isn’t any Narnia.” To me, it’s absolutely appropriate to put this quote on a candle as a symbol of the smallest bit of light Puddleglum saw when the darkness threatened to smother him.
5. We are All Edmund Mug
I like to think of myself as Lucy, someone who would naturally find her way to the good side. But the truth is that we all need Jesus, for without Him, we have no hope of redemption. Thankfully, we all have an Aslan, named Jesus, who rescued us from the consequences of sin.
6. “Safe? Who said anything about safe?” Wall Decal
Mr. Beaver was sharper than we think. In The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, he quickly sums up life with Aslan (and with Jesus). Not safe, but good, and the King. Both in Narnia and in this world, there is a battle. But Jesus is good. This is a beautiful reminder of who are King is.
7. More Books!
For some great suggestions on what a Narnian fan may like, just head over to The Ultimate Fantasy Book List for Christian Kids and check out The Ultimate Fantasy Book List for Christian Teens and Adults.
And just what was Mrs. Graf’s dearest gift?
Many, many years later, I can still quote all the books of the Bible.
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