How The Rise of Nicholas the Noble Connects Families Through the Spirit of Christmas

As the holiday season draws near, many families look for more than just festive decorations and fun activities. They seek stories—ones that bring them together, spark important conversations, and carry forward the values they cherish most. That’s exactly what The Rise of Nicholas the Noble, a magical middle grade novel from the creators of The Elf on the Shelf^®, is designed to do.

With unforgettable characters, breathtaking winter landscapes, and themes rooted in courage, generosity, and belief, this novel offers a meaningful way for families to experience the Spirit of Christmas—together.

“My eight-year-old daughter is at the perfect age to explore deeper lore surrounding Santa, and I was relieved to find that the book avoids sensitive topics such as questioning Santa’s existence.”

–Kelsey S., NetGalley Reviewer

And now, families can go even deeper with our free downloadable Family Discussion Guide, filled with thoughtful questions, vocabulary, and creative prompts perfect for children ages 8 and up. Whether you’re reading aloud at bedtime, sharing chapters by the fire, or adding literature to your homeschool holiday curriculum, this guide is designed to help build stronger connections between readers of all ages.

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Why Stories Like This Matter During the Holidays

Research consistently shows that reading together as a family strengthens emotional bonds, builds empathy, and improves communication—especially when the stories are rich in character development and moral decision-making. A 2024 statement by the American Academy of Pediatrics noted that shared reading contributes to stronger parent-child relationships, improved emotional regulation, and greater empathy among young readers.

Books like The Rise of Nicholas the Noble—which explore the power of sacrifice, loyalty, and growing into your purpose—can do more than entertain. They help children wrestle with big questions in a safe, imaginative space: What does it mean to be brave? Can one small act of kindness make a difference? How do we grow into the people we’re meant to be?

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Bridging Belief and Imagination

Families who celebrate with The Elf on the Shelf know how powerful the tradition can be in reinforcing joy, anticipation, and imagination. The Rise of Nicholas the Noble expands that experience—inviting readers to journey back in time to the very beginning of the Santaverse, when Nicholas was just a boy, and the Spirit of Christmas was still taking shape.

“Chanda A. Bell continues to surprise us… [this novel] DOES NOT disappoint.”

– Reviewer, NetGalley

For families with younger readers who believe in Santa, the novel serves as a beautiful origin story that deepens the magic without explaining it away. And for older children who may be asking deeper questions, the story gently builds out the Santa story as a tradition rooted in timeless values: hope, courage, selflessness, and love.

It’s a narrative that welcomes everyone, wherever they are in their journey of belief, making it perfect for multi-age households, book-loving homeschoolers or anyone looking to add more meaning to the holiday season.

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A Cast of Characters that Embody Christmas Spirit

In addition to Nicholas, the story introduces a rich cast of characters who each bring something special to the journey:

• Barry, the loyal Saint Bernard who shows us what it means to stand by someone you love no matter what
• Kendor, a sharp-tongued but big-hearted ice gnome whose bravery proves that strength comes in many forms
• Delshimerry, a quiet but deeply wise elvin warrior whose sword is as strong as her spirit
• Fisbee, the story’s narrator and the first Scout Elf ever adopted by a human family, offering insight, humor, and timeless perspective

The book also introduces new enchanted creatures, some beloved and some fearsome, but each playing a key role in the battle for Christmas Spirit. Each character is more than magical. They’re authentically portrayed in their struggles and emotional journeys. And they give young readers relatable examples (or in some cases, cautionary tales) of the values we hold so dear and hope to pass on during the holidays.

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Building Holiday Traditions Around Story

Adding a shared novel to your seasonal tradition isn’t just educational—it can become a cherished ritual. Whether it’s reading one chapter a night, discussing favorite characters over cocoa, or journaling about how you’d act in Nicholas’ place, books like this help families anchor the season in storytelling and connection.

The Family Discussion Guide offers tools to make this easier:

• Age-appropriate discussion questions
• Vocabulary to explore together
• Creative prompts and deeper-dive topics (like Arctic animals, the science of snow, and the history of Saint Nicholas)
• Activities to inspire family bonding and thoughtful reflection

The reading guide is designed to foster connection and to reinforce the values of the season, building the magic in a way that feels natural, warm, and wonder-filled.

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The Perfect Book for Homeschool or Classroom Holiday Units

For homeschooling families or traditional classrooms, The Rise of Nicholas the Noble is a natural fit for December reading units. It blends seasonal themes with literary depth, making it easy to explore narrative structure, character development, setting and theme, all while keeping the magic alive.

Paired with the Family Guide or Educator Guide, it also opens doors to cross-curricular projects in:

• Social studies (origins of holiday traditions)
• Science (snow, stars, and Arctic habitats)
• Language arts (vocabulary building, writing prompts, and storytelling)

And because it centers on the emotional heart of the holidays, it’s also a gentle tool for teaching empathy, emotional growth, and positive values.

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Bring the Magic Home

At its core, The Rise of Nicholas the Noble is about discovering that what makes someone noble isn’t a crown or a title; it’s how they choose to love, protect, and believe in others that makes a difference.

This holiday season, give your family the gift of a story they can grow with… and grow from. Whether you’re continuing The Elf on the Shelf tradition or starting something new, this book is a beautiful way to bring everyone together around the Spirit of Christmas.

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