An Anishinaabe Christmas

Celebrating the Winter Solstice and Christmas in An Anishinaabe Christmas by Wab Kinew and Erin Hill.

Baby and their family are heading home to the Rez for Christmas. They are a little worried that Santa won’t be able to find them but their parents reassure them that he can find them anywhere. On the drive Baby asks lots of questions and Mom and Dad tell her all about Makwa, Miigiwe, and Giiwedaa.

Wab Kinew shares a story of home and family in this picture book that combines the traditions of Christmas with traditions of the winter solstice feast and gathering for Anishinaabe people so that no matter how they celebrate at this time of the year, their traditions, language and ways of life, they can feel seen and feel good about the way that they celebrate.

I also love that this story gives non Indigenous readers a glimpse into the different ways that people celebrate this time of year. There are so many rich traditions throughout the world that take place around the winter solstice that it’s so wonderful when we can put Santa aside every now and then and learn about other ways to celebrate.

Erin Hill’s illustrations are GORGEOUS! They fill the pages with colour and a softness that makes the story feel both old and new at the same time. They make this story feel like it has been around for centuries while also feeling relevant to the now.