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Christmas Witch #2
The Return of the Christmas Witch
In the much-anticipated follow-up to the bestselling The Legend of the Christmas Witch, Parks and Recreation star Aubrey Plaza and creative partner Dan Murphy's fiery heroine has returned. . . and this time she's taking on Christmas.
By now you’ve heard the legend, all but forgotten, of Santa Claus’s twin sister. Many years ago, this shadowy figure followed in Santa’s footsteps, searching for him while leaving odd gifts of her own. One fateful night, they finally came face-to-face, and she hasn’t been heard from since. Until now . . .
The Christmas Witch has returned.
By now you’ve heard the legend, all but forgotten, of Santa Claus’s twin sister. Many years ago, this shadowy figure followed in Santa’s footsteps, searching for him while leaving odd gifts of her own. One fateful night, they finally came face-to-face, and she hasn’t been heard from since. Until now . . .
The Christmas Witch has returned.
57 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 11, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
December 16, 2025
I read the first one as a sort of joke because I had just watched one of the authors on the show Agatha All Along, liked her performance, and I like stories about witches AND stories about Christmas. Yep, sometimes, that's all it takes. ;)
The book turned out to be really cool so when I found out there was a second one already, I had to get that too, and here we are.
At the end of the previous book, Kristtörn went to sleep under the ice after the disastrous meeting with her twin brother and people's ungratefulness for the things she left them for Christmas.
Now, she awakes and boy, has the world changed! A corporation has taken over Christmas and she won't stand for it! Not to mention that it appears like she has no magic left and her brother abandoned Christmas as much as Kristtörn herself - but is that true?
It's all about finding or rekindling the magic of this very special holiday and I was so here for it. We get the reindeers, a very intrepid young lady, the true spirit of Christmas vs. a cold corporation and much more! Truly, an adventure!
The book turned out to be really cool so when I found out there was a second one already, I had to get that too, and here we are.
At the end of the previous book, Kristtörn went to sleep under the ice after the disastrous meeting with her twin brother and people's ungratefulness for the things she left them for Christmas.
Now, she awakes and boy, has the world changed! A corporation has taken over Christmas and she won't stand for it! Not to mention that it appears like she has no magic left and her brother abandoned Christmas as much as Kristtörn herself - but is that true?
It's all about finding or rekindling the magic of this very special holiday and I was so here for it. We get the reindeers, a very intrepid young lady, the true spirit of Christmas vs. a cold corporation and much more! Truly, an adventure!
December 10, 2022
"She filled her cauldron with salty bay water and spoke these words as she stirred.. Mist of darkness fill the air, hand of nightshade lock of hair, shroud the land as black as night, some witch hazel to blind the sight, pinch of wolfsbane ounce of coal, bunch of hemlock in the bowl, to the brew now add these three; mistletoe, holly, and bayberry."
Love this witchy Christmas series! It's spooky cute, and Aubrey does such a great job narrating!
Love this witchy Christmas series! It's spooky cute, and Aubrey does such a great job narrating!
December 6, 2022
Kristt Örn's anger at her brother's rejection froze her in ice for many long years. When she awakens from the ice, she discovers her brother has outsourced Christmas.
Using a spell to get her brother's attention, she manages to right some problems, though she receives a warning from Malachi the raven that there will be new dangers coming.
This feels a little darker than the first story, though there is the sense that Kristt Örn is more balanced and happier by the end of the story.
Using a spell to get her brother's attention, she manages to right some problems, though she receives a warning from Malachi the raven that there will be new dangers coming.
This feels a little darker than the first story, though there is the sense that Kristt Örn is more balanced and happier by the end of the story.
December 11, 2022
I read this along with the audiobook which was read by Aubrey Plaza, I loved it so much! It’s very fun and festive
December 22, 2022
This is the sequel to last years The Legend of the Christmas Witch.
After centuries in the ice, where the last book left off, the Christmas Witch has finally awoken, but the world she sees is quite different from the one she knew. The Kringle company is using flying delivery methods, not a sleigh. And where is Santa? Guess what, she blames her brother again!
I thought this was a good sequel. The illustrations are simply magical, and it has some nice Christmas magic. I do like that this one had them reconciling, as I don’t really like things that are anti Santa at Christmastime! I look forward to the third!
Personally a 4/5, Aubrey Plaza, if you read reviews, hi!
After centuries in the ice, where the last book left off, the Christmas Witch has finally awoken, but the world she sees is quite different from the one she knew. The Kringle company is using flying delivery methods, not a sleigh. And where is Santa? Guess what, she blames her brother again!
I thought this was a good sequel. The illustrations are simply magical, and it has some nice Christmas magic. I do like that this one had them reconciling, as I don’t really like things that are anti Santa at Christmastime! I look forward to the third!
Personally a 4/5, Aubrey Plaza, if you read reviews, hi!
December 15, 2023
I enjoy this series. And of course Aubrey Plaza's narration is fabulous!
December 26, 2022
The Christmas Witch has returned, after being put into ice, she has awoken to a whole new world and her brother abandoning his duty as Santa Claus. Now she has to figure out what has happened to him and what has happened to her powers that have disappeared. She’ll meet new friends, old ones, and finally confront her dislike of Christmas and how she can find balance once again. This was a great continuation of the story and i found it to be a unique way to continue the storyline. It really was a fun read and I love the artwork in the story!
October 11, 2022
Listening to Aubrey read this while following along with the book is definitely the best way. I found both copies on cloudLibrary.
January 10, 2023
Literally just here for Aubrey
December 23, 2024
The sequel to The Legend of Christmas Witch, after the witch awakes from a long slumber in the ice she comes to see that Christmas is no longer what it once was and her brother is missing.
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Once again the art of this book was so beautifully done. And the writing was great for its target audience, straight and to the point while also holding a deeper meaning.
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This story touches on how Christmas has become too commercialized and on the over consumption of materialistic things.
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Its no longer a warm cozy Christmas but a Christmas revolving on how to make money.
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Like in How the Grinch stole Christmas (2000) and all those Whos were going into debt to get presents and the Grinch was very anti-consumerism. Or like in the intro of Krampus (2015).
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This book is a great read for kids and a great way to introduce these ideas to them, reminding them of the true meaning of Christmas.
.
Once again the art of this book was so beautifully done. And the writing was great for its target audience, straight and to the point while also holding a deeper meaning.
.
This story touches on how Christmas has become too commercialized and on the over consumption of materialistic things.
.
Its no longer a warm cozy Christmas but a Christmas revolving on how to make money.
.
Like in How the Grinch stole Christmas (2000) and all those Whos were going into debt to get presents and the Grinch was very anti-consumerism. Or like in the intro of Krampus (2015).
.
This book is a great read for kids and a great way to introduce these ideas to them, reminding them of the true meaning of Christmas.
December 31, 2024
Fantastic story and art! I just recently learned of the Christmas Witch legend .
December 21, 2022
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
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WHAT'S THE RETURN OF THE CHRISTMAS WITCH ABOUT?
Kristtörn wakes from her frozen slumber to find a world she cannot recognize—it's a dystopian world where the joy of Christmas is gone and everyone is left with an automated, sanitized, homogenized, corporation-run day of market-driven consumption. Santa is nowhere to be found—and many doubt he ever existed—in his place, we have the Kringle Corporation.
We get to spend time with one family—grandmother remembers Santa and longs for his return, but her grandchildren don't (but aren't fans of Kringle, either). Kristtörn watches the girl and the two strike up a relationship at a distance, and ultimately team up to take down the corporation and bring back Kristtörn's brother.
That's a sloppy job on my part, but it'll do for these purposes. Murphy and Plaza tell it so much better.
THE ARTWORK
On the whole, I'd just want to repeat what I said about the first book, so I will.
So much for repeating—I did think this work wasn't as well done as the previous book. There are a couple of illustrations that...sloppy isn't the right word, but they don't seem as finished. It felt like Iredale ran out of time and rushed one or two drawings/characters. That's likely not right—and probably not that fair of me to say. But that was my impression. I doubt that any of the target audience will pick up on it (or care if they do), but it surprised me that I wasn't as impressed with the art.
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT THE RETURN OF THE CHRISTMAS WITCH?
This takes a darker turn than I expected from this story—the first book had a hint of this, and it's not out of place, but I raised an eyebrow at the dystopia. That said—I thought it was a great choice, and offered a new take on the usual "over-commercialization of Christmas" and "we need to get back to the essence of the holiday" stories. But that's what it is at its core—and I'm all for that kind of story.
I did think the ending felt a little rushed—like the authors ran into a hard page limit/word count. It wouldn't have taken much more, but after the well-established set-up, I thought we needed a little more development to the magical ending.
The door is left open to one more book in the series—it's maybe even suggested. If so, I'm totally on board for it. I can see the authors leaving it here, too—and I'd be okay with that.
The words-to-image ratio for this kind of book leans toward the words side, so that will limit some younger fans—but as long as there's a willing adult around, I think this will satisfy fans of the first book.
---
WHAT'S THE RETURN OF THE CHRISTMAS WITCH ABOUT?
Kristtörn wakes from her frozen slumber to find a world she cannot recognize—it's a dystopian world where the joy of Christmas is gone and everyone is left with an automated, sanitized, homogenized, corporation-run day of market-driven consumption. Santa is nowhere to be found—and many doubt he ever existed—in his place, we have the Kringle Corporation.
We get to spend time with one family—grandmother remembers Santa and longs for his return, but her grandchildren don't (but aren't fans of Kringle, either). Kristtörn watches the girl and the two strike up a relationship at a distance, and ultimately team up to take down the corporation and bring back Kristtörn's brother.
That's a sloppy job on my part, but it'll do for these purposes. Murphy and Plaza tell it so much better.
THE ARTWORK
On the whole, I'd just want to repeat what I said about the first book, so I will.
Iredale's work struck me like a classic storybook, the kind of art that was in the books I read as a kid—especially the books that were old by the time I read them. It was fitting for the kind of story. It wasn't knock-out gorgeous, and I think it would've hurt the book overall had it been. There's some sharpness to the art—almost the kind of thing that would've been carved into wood.
It's vibrant and I can't imagine a kid who won't want to pour over the pictures as much as the story.
So much for repeating—I did think this work wasn't as well done as the previous book. There are a couple of illustrations that...sloppy isn't the right word, but they don't seem as finished. It felt like Iredale ran out of time and rushed one or two drawings/characters. That's likely not right—and probably not that fair of me to say. But that was my impression. I doubt that any of the target audience will pick up on it (or care if they do), but it surprised me that I wasn't as impressed with the art.
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT THE RETURN OF THE CHRISTMAS WITCH?
This takes a darker turn than I expected from this story—the first book had a hint of this, and it's not out of place, but I raised an eyebrow at the dystopia. That said—I thought it was a great choice, and offered a new take on the usual "over-commercialization of Christmas" and "we need to get back to the essence of the holiday" stories. But that's what it is at its core—and I'm all for that kind of story.
I did think the ending felt a little rushed—like the authors ran into a hard page limit/word count. It wouldn't have taken much more, but after the well-established set-up, I thought we needed a little more development to the magical ending.
The door is left open to one more book in the series—it's maybe even suggested. If so, I'm totally on board for it. I can see the authors leaving it here, too—and I'd be okay with that.
The words-to-image ratio for this kind of book leans toward the words side, so that will limit some younger fans—but as long as there's a willing adult around, I think this will satisfy fans of the first book.
December 22, 2024
very interesting kids story! perfect for reading during christmas.
November 13, 2024
Kristoffer (now Santa) and Kristtörn are older in this one as much time has gone by. Once again, there is a map, which automatically gets a star from me. The illustrations are once again gorgeous. This time, the villain is the Kringle Corporation, which is clearly meant to symbolize the overcommercialization of Christmas. I don't love the story as much because of the modernization and at certain parts, it kind of reminded me of the depressing feeling of being forced by my aunt to go to the Christmas store in Frankenmuth this past summer, when Christmas is for winter only in my head and the baubles there were mostly of very cheap, overpriced and unsentimental quality. Also, I didn't love the flak that plastic Christmas trees get in the illustration here when real trees are so environmentally damaging and aside from their smell they really aren't all that better and make way more of a mess. But that aside, I do love how this book ties in with the first story and the familiarity of the Delaware setting to the authors. It also introduces a new set of twins, Poppy and Peter Piper, who oddly share similarities to the original twins, which was fun. And it still has plenty of Christmas magic, plus I love Kristtörn's new look even more, and the ending is lovely with a great message for kids (much more positive than the first). So, once again, I give it four stars.
February 26, 2023
When the Christmas Witch wakes up after years and years of sleeping, she discovers that much has changed both with the world and with herself. Kristtörn discovers that her hair has turned white from the eyes and her eyes have changed in color. As she emerges, she finds out that her brother no longer does Christmas, so where is she? As she sets of to find him, it's with hate and vengeance in her heart. But she's surprised to find new friends and a bit of herself in the process. Because you can't have Christmas without Santa and sometimes anger isn't always the answer.
THE RETURN OF THE CHRISTMAS WITCH is a dark and original Christmas story for children to read beside a fire while drinking hot chocolate. While this one is darker than the first one, I liked it just as much. The illustrations are beautiful and I love the darker color scheme. It's nice to see Kristtörn bond with someone and take a twist to help instead of hurt.
Final Verdict: In a dark twist, the Christmas Witch returns and makes for a magical and original Christmas folktale. I would recommend this to fans of magic and holiday stories. It's also great for parents who want to expose their children to unique and different Christmas stories when compared to the traditional ones.
THE RETURN OF THE CHRISTMAS WITCH is a dark and original Christmas story for children to read beside a fire while drinking hot chocolate. While this one is darker than the first one, I liked it just as much. The illustrations are beautiful and I love the darker color scheme. It's nice to see Kristtörn bond with someone and take a twist to help instead of hurt.
Final Verdict: In a dark twist, the Christmas Witch returns and makes for a magical and original Christmas folktale. I would recommend this to fans of magic and holiday stories. It's also great for parents who want to expose their children to unique and different Christmas stories when compared to the traditional ones.
December 31, 2023
I loved the first volume in this story "Legend of the Christmas witch". The continues the Christmas Witch's story. It's the same great artwork, but the story loses something here. I felt the first story was brilliant and this story is merely good. It loses that feeling of being lore here.
The Christmas Witch is unfrozen and everything has changed. Centuries have passed and the world moved on. Santa hasn't been seen and people have forgotten Christmas. Now, Kringle, a corporation run by one of Santa's elves has taken over and its nothing but a crass commercial holiday about spending money. Much like it is today.
We get an ending and they do leave a little cliff-hanger for a third volume, but at this point, I'm not much interested. As far as I'm concerned, the first book is enough for a good story. This part of the story isn't needed.
I will say, I did like the ending. Everyone has pretty much forgotten how Christmas used to be. There are no longer trees. Well, this year, on Christmas, evergreen trees sprouted over night with flowers under them for people everywhere and it gave people hope. I did enjoy that ending. Nature is a healer.
The Christmas Witch is unfrozen and everything has changed. Centuries have passed and the world moved on. Santa hasn't been seen and people have forgotten Christmas. Now, Kringle, a corporation run by one of Santa's elves has taken over and its nothing but a crass commercial holiday about spending money. Much like it is today.
We get an ending and they do leave a little cliff-hanger for a third volume, but at this point, I'm not much interested. As far as I'm concerned, the first book is enough for a good story. This part of the story isn't needed.
I will say, I did like the ending. Everyone has pretty much forgotten how Christmas used to be. There are no longer trees. Well, this year, on Christmas, evergreen trees sprouted over night with flowers under them for people everywhere and it gave people hope. I did enjoy that ending. Nature is a healer.
November 4, 2025
On the second-to-last page, Poppy answers the red Santa phone. "A strange voice she did not recognize greeted her on the other end..." The very next page is Kristtorn having one last dream wherein Lutzelfrau tells her, "but there are great dangers lurking ahead..." Then it's the last page that simply says END. What the hell?! That's not an end. That's a setup for a third book that doesn't exist. Which is mildly disappointing.
Why did they add on cliffhangers like that and then not have another book with the conclusion? This one was apparently published in 2022 and it's now the end of 2025. There's no indication of a third book in this series. This was an intriguing story until they tacked on those frustratingly unnecessary ellipses at the supposed end. It could've been all wrapped up on the third-to-last page with Kristtorn's gift to Poppy.
Why did they add on cliffhangers like that and then not have another book with the conclusion? This one was apparently published in 2022 and it's now the end of 2025. There's no indication of a third book in this series. This was an intriguing story until they tacked on those frustratingly unnecessary ellipses at the supposed end. It could've been all wrapped up on the third-to-last page with Kristtorn's gift to Poppy.
November 15, 2022
After a bad temper froze the Christmas Witch in ice for many many years, the second book opens with the thawing of the Witch. Kristorn is searching for her brother again, but in this new modern world, what will she discover? A whole new Christmas ... without Santa?
Like in the first book, I love that the authors put in a whole new spin on the story of Christmas with it from the sister's perspective. And she learns to manage her temper a little better after seeing the results of her last tantrum, so when she tries another spell to get her brother's attention ... at least she is able to correct her mistake and Christmas will be able to be celebrated. :)
Like in the first book, I love that the authors put in a whole new spin on the story of Christmas with it from the sister's perspective. And she learns to manage her temper a little better after seeing the results of her last tantrum, so when she tries another spell to get her brother's attention ... at least she is able to correct her mistake and Christmas will be able to be celebrated. :)
January 24, 2023
Read as an audiobook
The Return of the Christmas Witch was as a delightful of a read as the previous book. The storytelling flowed, introducing a new character I hope we see more of in, presumably, future books. It explores grief and anger, as well as discusses the commercialism of Christmas without being in your face about it. The Christmas Witch goes on a more emotional journey in this one, coming to terms with who she is and who her brother is. This leads them to finding a way back to each other, and how we can become our own worst enemy.
As much as I adore the audiobooks, narrated by Aubrey Plaza in her sweet voice with great sound effects, I am still itching for a movie.
The Return of the Christmas Witch was as a delightful of a read as the previous book. The storytelling flowed, introducing a new character I hope we see more of in, presumably, future books. It explores grief and anger, as well as discusses the commercialism of Christmas without being in your face about it. The Christmas Witch goes on a more emotional journey in this one, coming to terms with who she is and who her brother is. This leads them to finding a way back to each other, and how we can become our own worst enemy.
As much as I adore the audiobooks, narrated by Aubrey Plaza in her sweet voice with great sound effects, I am still itching for a movie.
December 17, 2025
So glad I found this at the library and didn’t buy it. Although it has better plot structure than the first, it’s still a meh story. Didn’t help that it was set in a more modern world lacking in the charm of centuries ago. Was hoping for a redemptive arc that would make the first book not so…pointless, and I got it, but just didn’t enjoy the ride. Too many long-winded details and not enough real story. I never got on board with the Kringle Corp being bad. What exactly did they do wrong to justify ruining Christmas over? Kristtorn comes across as toxic and mentally unstable. Definitely some main character syndrome there. Again, three stars for the cover, illustrations, and idea.
January 1, 2023
Dan & Aubrey know how to get you in the heart while Julia's art adds so much magic to the story. dabbling in environmentalism, capitalism, and losing the true meaning of christmas, this one shows the christmas witch still searching for her brother centuries in the future where everything is different & a major corporation does christmas, now. this was wonderful and left us with a little more sequel bait and you would be right if you believed I would pick up another book in this series.
because I absolutely will.
because I absolutely will.
November 21, 2022
Picks up where the first book, The legend of the Christmas witch leaves off. Lovely illustrations again. In some ways the story approaches a more fairytale style with the introduction of a young girl. Overall, the story's pretty weak--the motivations of the main characters are just bizarre.
I was attracted by the illustrations. I'd enjoy seeing more from the illustration, Julia Iredale. I will *not* be reading anything further from Murphy.
I was attracted by the illustrations. I'd enjoy seeing more from the illustration, Julia Iredale. I will *not* be reading anything further from Murphy.
January 3, 2023
This is a great start to a series I hope. It is perfect to read during the season. I listened to audiobook of the first book last year and re-read the story physically before reading this one.
The illustrations are nicely done and with the artwork, it seems to enlighten more on these special siblings.
This book leaves the readers on a tiny cliff hanger, so I am looking forward to seeing the illustrations and reading what will happen next.
The illustrations are nicely done and with the artwork, it seems to enlighten more on these special siblings.
This book leaves the readers on a tiny cliff hanger, so I am looking forward to seeing the illustrations and reading what will happen next.
December 27, 2024
The illustrations were gorgeous yet again, and I enjoyed the dream sequences most! I appreciated the lore of Yuletide and the Christmas Witch most in the first book. There didn’t seem to be enough resolution regarding the Kringle company that took over while Kristtörn was gone. I am curious where the series will continue after this, if they will dissolve the Kringle company, and if the Christmas Witch will have more of a role in Christmas going forward.
August 28, 2025
A fun, cosy and exciting book, which gives you a new form of the classic Christmas books. It would never be the same without the magnificent Aubrey Plaza with read it to be through a audiobook. Her imagination and effort you can hear as the pages turn, makes the reading (or the push of the play button as I did) extra exiting. Wonderful book, originally for the younger readers, however, a good read for everyone.
January 5, 2024
A lovely continuation of the Christmas Witch story! The clever use of how modern commercialization has changed the holiday and the impression of how it could be taken further in the future felt natural, but still left hope for the happy ending. I loved that these stories were free from religious dogma but still offer a deep story with meaningful appreciation for the season.
Want to Read
January 10, 2024"She filled her cauldron with salty bay water and spoke these words as she stirred.. Mist of darkness fill the air, hand of nightshade lock of hair, shroud the land as black as night, some witch hazel to blind the sight, pinch of wolfsbane ounce of coal, bunch of hemlock in the bowl, to the brew now add these three; mistletoe, holly, and bayberry."
February 15, 2025
absolutely loved this one too!! i was completely pulled into this world, i loved kristtörn's journey and the way she refound her power. genuinely hope there will be a book 3 of this (yes i heard you with: the end?) because i can't get enough of this lovely little world. (again i love hearing aubrey tell stories hihi)
November 30, 2025
I was very happy to read this lovely follow-up in the Christmas witch series. I thought it was wonderful, and again very creative and engaging. I would be glad to.recommend this book.to any parent/grandparent/guardian to read their child over the Christmas holidays. I would be interested to read more!
August 1, 2026
Great 2nd part. Decades and even centuries have past. So much has changed as many of us can relate to. The Christmas season and economics of it has changed.
Reading each page and being gifted with the beautiful artwork, you can feel the words yourself. This is definitely a story book for parents to read to their kids. An adult will truly value this series.
Reading each page and being gifted with the beautiful artwork, you can feel the words yourself. This is definitely a story book for parents to read to their kids. An adult will truly value this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews