Updated September 2025. Originally published November 2020.

My family absolutely loves the holidays.

Christmas is a very special time for us. We go all out with addressing all the senses. Every single one. From the sights of the warm lights to the smells of the tree, the food, and all the cookies. Then there are the sounds of holiday music, hardy laughs, and the sharing of old stories. Warm hugs from old and new friends. Wrapping packages and tying bows. Making things pretty and spreading all the joy. Watching reruns of movies we’ve seen too many times and my favorite—reading our holiday book collection.

But finding diverse holiday picture books with Black characters (especially ones with brown young boys) was always challenging. Every year it seemed even harder to find a new diverse Christmas story we didn’t already own.

I remember grumbling to myself, ‘Why is it so difficult to find holiday children’s books with Black characters? My family loves Christmas too, why can’t we be represented in the books my kids read? Where are all the diverse holiday picture books?’

As the saying goes, ‘When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.’

That time just happened to also be the year I reread the famous quote from the late, great Toni Morrison, “If there is a book you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.”

I decided that the next diverse holiday book that I would add to my family’s collection would be one that I wrote myself.

Why I Chose to Write Diverse Holiday Picture Books

As I was writing the story, it dawned on me that a classic holiday storyline involves characters helping Santa Claus save the day. I had not yet been able to find that story with a Black boy as the leading protagonist.

I then began to think about every single holiday movie we watch and all of the books we read. I want Nick (my son) to grow up in a world where he receives the same messages that other children do about his role in our community. He needs to see characters who look like him. I wanted a Christmas book that reinforced his ability to be competent, helpful, and successful.

My child, like every other child, deserves to be seen as the hero. My child deserves to know that he also is capable of helping Santa save the day. Santa can trust him and can call on him. He can be a leader in kindness. He can save the world.

But it is sometimes hard to be what you cannot see. Not impossible. Just hard. And from that realization, In The Nick of Time was born.

Celebrate Christmas With the In The Nick of Time Series

What started as a heartwarming story about a little Brown Boy helping Santa save the day has since turned into a 3-part series and a workbook. No matter what winter holidays you celebrate, this series full of positive messages and vibrant illustrations is sure to become a favorite for your little ones. (And big ones too! This truly is a series that resonates with all ages.)

Book 1: In The Nick of Time

In The Nick of Time is a timely tale about a little Brown Boy who saves Christmas. Nick Saint never gave much thought to his name until one snowy December day, he accidentally receives a letter meant for Saint Nick. Realizing there is not much time left until Christmas, Nick opens the letter. The unexpected message inside ultimately leads him on a journey of understanding poverty, gratitude, and service to others, while discovering the real meaning of the holiday spirit.

Book 2: In The Nick of Time Too

In this Christmas story, In The Nick of Time Too, Nick Saint and his best friend Cooper reunite. A surprise visit on Christmas Eve leads to a journey of self-discovery and a deeper understanding of the true meaning of the holiday spirit. The boys get to explore different Christmas traditions while learning that love, kindness, and the Christmas spirit come to us in all shapes, sizes, and colors.

Book 3: Hope In the Nick of Time

In the third book, Hope In the Nick of Time, Nick Saint is in New York City. But instead of the fun adventure he’d hoped for, he’s dealing with slushy shoes and spilled gelato. Frustrated and overwhelmed, Nick just wants to go home. Then, a surprise encounter reminds him of the power of hope. He learns about “hoping skills”—ways to see the good, even when things feel bad. With a little perspective and a lot of heart, Nick begins to see the city through new eyes. He finds that small acts of kindness add up to make a big difference. This beautiful story reminds readers that hope is all around us. In moments when we struggle to find it, it’s our turn to create it.

The In the Nick of Time Activity Book

Last but not least, the In the Nick of Time Activity Book is packed with supportive, uplifting messages and motivation-boosting activities. Watch kids unplug while they create, reflect, build emotional resilience, and develop a growth mindset. With every page, children learn fun and meaningful ways to weave more hope, kindness, and empathy into their everyday lives. It’s a meaningful gift, a therapeutic resource, and a time capsule of hope.

The Best Christmas Gift for Young Readers

The In The Nick of Time series is filled with powerful messages that all children need to hear. These diverse holiday picture books talk about big, important topics like poverty, the beauty of diversity, how to stay hopeful, and the power that each and every one of us has to save the day. We believe reading one of these books on Christmas Eve, and throughout the holiday season, would make Santa proud.

I know I am proud of the impact these sweet stories have already had on readers. But most of all, I am proud that I took action to remedy the lack of diverse holiday picture books for my own son Nick, who is now a teenager.

Why Diverse Children’s Books Are For All Families

There is true power in picture books. Books have the power to take us around the world, introducing us to different cultures and holiday traditions. Children’s books can spark wonder, curiosity, and empathy.

Books with Black characters are not just for Black children. All families need these books. These stories reflect the world we live in and reinforce the reality that we all have important roles to play in life. It is true that there are more diverse books now than ever, but still nowhere near enough.

How to Find the Perfect Christmas Story For Your Family

I’d love for you to spend time reading the entire In The Nick of Time series with your kids, friends, and family during the winter holidays. Use them to expand your own library, gift them to kids you know, give them to schools, daycares, churches, and community centers. The more we share stories of our beautifully diverse world, the more loving and accepting it will become.

But I’d also challenge you to take it a step further.

Each one of us has a valuable story to tell. Why not write your own story? Sit down with your kids and write a story that celebrates your favorite holiday traditions. Include characters that represent your family. You can read it aloud on Christmas Eve and save it to read again and again for years to come.

Now that’s a cool holiday story.

The post Calling Out the Lack of Diverse Holiday Picture Books (And What I Did About It) appeared first on Make A Way Media.