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Virtually Christmas
The HILARIOUS new novel and the year’s most perfect festive gift – from million-copy bestselling author David Baddiel
It used to be the most WONDERFUL time of the year, but for years Christmas has been taken over by Winterzone.
All the things that made Christmas special are gone: the human connection, the baubles passed down through generations, even the rubbish cracker jokes.
Instead, Christmas is run by robots, while 3D holograms of Santa Claus called Santavatars check if you’ve been naughty or nice – and on Christmas Eve, all of the presents are delivered by ZoneDrones instead of Santa’s reindeer!
But when they stumble on a curious clue, eleven-year-old Etta and her friend Monty find themselves thrown into a fight to bring back Christmas. Racing against time and against the might of Winterzone, they must find the real Santa – before the true meaning of the festive season is lost forever . . .
It used to be the most WONDERFUL time of the year, but for years Christmas has been taken over by Winterzone.
All the things that made Christmas special are gone: the human connection, the baubles passed down through generations, even the rubbish cracker jokes.
Instead, Christmas is run by robots, while 3D holograms of Santa Claus called Santavatars check if you’ve been naughty or nice – and on Christmas Eve, all of the presents are delivered by ZoneDrones instead of Santa’s reindeer!
But when they stumble on a curious clue, eleven-year-old Etta and her friend Monty find themselves thrown into a fight to bring back Christmas. Racing against time and against the might of Winterzone, they must find the real Santa – before the true meaning of the festive season is lost forever . . .
256 pages, Hardcover
Published October 27, 2022
24 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
About the author
David Baddiel
85 books447 followersDavid Lionel Baddiel is an English comedian, novelist and television presenter. Baddiel was born in New York, and moved to England when he was four months old. He grew up in grew up in Dollis Hill, Willesden, North London.
After studying at Haberdashers' Aske's Boys' School in Elstree, he read English at King's College, Cambridge and graduated with a double first. He began studies for a PhD in English at University College London, but did not complete it.
Baddiel became a cabaret stand-up comedian after leaving university and also wrote sketches and jokes for various radio series. His first television appearance came in a bit-part on one episode of the showbiz satire, Filthy, Rich and Catflap. In 1988, he was introduced to Rob Newman, a comic impressionist, and the two became a writing partnership. They were subsequently paired up with the partnership of Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis for a new topical comedy show for BBC Radio 1 called The Mary Whitehouse Experience, and its success led to a transfer to television, shooting Baddiel to fame.
He has written four novels: Time for Bed, Whatever Love Means, The Secret Purposes and The Death of Eli Gold.
Baddiel has two children, both born in Westminster, London, with his girlfriend, Morwenna Banks.
After studying at Haberdashers' Aske's Boys' School in Elstree, he read English at King's College, Cambridge and graduated with a double first. He began studies for a PhD in English at University College London, but did not complete it.
Baddiel became a cabaret stand-up comedian after leaving university and also wrote sketches and jokes for various radio series. His first television appearance came in a bit-part on one episode of the showbiz satire, Filthy, Rich and Catflap. In 1988, he was introduced to Rob Newman, a comic impressionist, and the two became a writing partnership. They were subsequently paired up with the partnership of Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis for a new topical comedy show for BBC Radio 1 called The Mary Whitehouse Experience, and its success led to a transfer to television, shooting Baddiel to fame.
He has written four novels: Time for Bed, Whatever Love Means, The Secret Purposes and The Death of Eli Gold.
Baddiel has two children, both born in Westminster, London, with his girlfriend, Morwenna Banks.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
December 14, 2023
What happens when an evil corporation takes over Christmas? Ok, so it might have taken the stress away - no more last minute shopping - just swipe an app and delivery drones arrive on Christmas Eve. a screen can show falling snow or roaring hearth and you don't need to travel as you can just video call your loved ones. Who cares if this company seems to know EVERYTHING about you and the holographic Santa cannot give you a hug? Eleven year old Etta cares. She has been told stories about how Christmas used to be and is determined not to put up with this soulless facsimile any longer. Only one problem: Her dad works for Winterzone(TM) the evil corporation in question. And Winterzone (TM) has expectations for its employee's families.
Can Etta work out what happened to the real Santa in time to save Christmas? And will her dad finally stand up to the evil boss of Winterzone (TM)?
This is a fun middle grade read to get in to the spirit of Christmas. It is great in book (excellent illustrations) or audio form and if parents want to talk about some more serious things like tech companies knowing all about every part of your life and online privacy this would also be a good place to start because although the Winterzone (TM) staff and boss are cartoonishly evil and the story is silly and fun those are topics that the story does raise.
Can Etta work out what happened to the real Santa in time to save Christmas? And will her dad finally stand up to the evil boss of Winterzone (TM)?
This is a fun middle grade read to get in to the spirit of Christmas. It is great in book (excellent illustrations) or audio form and if parents want to talk about some more serious things like tech companies knowing all about every part of your life and online privacy this would also be a good place to start because although the Winterzone (TM) staff and boss are cartoonishly evil and the story is silly and fun those are topics that the story does raise.
December 1, 2023
Hartstikke leuk weer! Heerlijk genoten van het boek, perfect om te lezen op een erg koude mistige avond! Ditmaal is kerst vervangen door een digitale versie met natuurlijk ook een idiote/grote baas die alles zal doen om het uit te melken tot de max. We hebben een toffe hoofdpersoon die daar geen zin meer in heeft en de echte Kerstman vindt (door puur toeval) en van alles probeert te doen om te zorgen dat Kerst weer Kerst is. Echt Kerst. Met sneeuw. Een Kertman die je kunt knuffelen. Een slee door de lucht. Dat soort dingen. En het wordt heerlijk magisch en spannend! Ik mocht echt, naast de vader (wel zelfs die was in het begin een watje), het hele team niet van Winterzone, wat een types zeg. (al wil ik misschien wel het geheim dat iemand er zo jong uitziet, want die drankjes bestonden echt niet toen diegene echt jong was, haha). Toffe illustraties!
December 31, 2024
This is a nice, little science fiction Christmas comedy (you heard me) from the ex-Mary Whitehouse Experience member.
It was very much aimed at younger readers but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t laugh aloud several times. The ending was really nice, too.
It was very much aimed at younger readers but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t laugh aloud several times. The ending was really nice, too.
December 14, 2023
This is still a decent read but not the best! Great ploy wish it could be more engaging!
December 26, 2023
Quite predictable but meaningful and humorous and in Baddiel's classic style.
November 25, 2022
The value of the season - in a very contemporary 'Arthur Christmas' spin.
In yet another twist on 'finding the true meaning of Christmas', Baddiel takes an Arthur-look at the season and it's commercialisation and sets his sights on the Wall-E-like 'Buy N Large' that has taken over the planet - here calling it Winterzone. You might see a parallel with a not-too-far-away real-life corporation. Ahem.
Christmas is a little different from the one readers will recognise. Robots run it these days. Your wishes and letters are checked for availability and bought automatically then delivered by drones (not a reindeer in sight). You can't meet Santa in his grotto, it's a hologram version preprogrammed with 'ho ho ho' cheer.
So Etta is less than thrilled about the coming season. Even though her Dad works for WinterZone and has got her the role of the 'Perfect Present Please' kid this year! She'd rather have her grandma's tinsel, baubles and more magical memories any day.
But coming across a suspiciously Santa-like delivery man, Etta and her friends realise that they might have discovered a secret that WinterZone would rather they - and everyone else - didn't know. But maybe the world really needs to know the truth about Christmas. And deserves more than the one WinterZone have made them expect.
A good point about consumerism is made through another Baddiel madcap adventure, with likeable characters and a very easy-to-imagine Christmas scenario.
I enjoyed the audio version, with several voices contributing to the characters, including the author. Satisfyingly evil bad guys, a plot you will guess but nevertheless enjoy seeing come to pass, and readers may even consider their own feelings about Christmas and what it means to them. Hey, you never know.
For ages 7-12.
In yet another twist on 'finding the true meaning of Christmas', Baddiel takes an Arthur-look at the season and it's commercialisation and sets his sights on the Wall-E-like 'Buy N Large' that has taken over the planet - here calling it Winterzone. You might see a parallel with a not-too-far-away real-life corporation. Ahem.
Christmas is a little different from the one readers will recognise. Robots run it these days. Your wishes and letters are checked for availability and bought automatically then delivered by drones (not a reindeer in sight). You can't meet Santa in his grotto, it's a hologram version preprogrammed with 'ho ho ho' cheer.
So Etta is less than thrilled about the coming season. Even though her Dad works for WinterZone and has got her the role of the 'Perfect Present Please' kid this year! She'd rather have her grandma's tinsel, baubles and more magical memories any day.
But coming across a suspiciously Santa-like delivery man, Etta and her friends realise that they might have discovered a secret that WinterZone would rather they - and everyone else - didn't know. But maybe the world really needs to know the truth about Christmas. And deserves more than the one WinterZone have made them expect.
A good point about consumerism is made through another Baddiel madcap adventure, with likeable characters and a very easy-to-imagine Christmas scenario.
I enjoyed the audio version, with several voices contributing to the characters, including the author. Satisfyingly evil bad guys, a plot you will guess but nevertheless enjoy seeing come to pass, and readers may even consider their own feelings about Christmas and what it means to them. Hey, you never know.
For ages 7-12.
October 5, 2023
David Baddiel (2022) VIRTUALLY CHRISTMAS (AUDIOBOOK)
BorrowBox - HarperCollins UK
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 out of 5 stars
BorrowBox writes, "It used to be the most WONDERFUL time of the year, but for years Christmas has been taken over by Winterzone. All the things that made Christmas special are gone: the human connection, the baubles passed down through generations, even the rubbish cracker jokes. Instead, Christmas is run by robots, while 3D holograms of Santa Claus called Santavatars check if you’ve been naughty or nice—and on Christmas Eve, all of the presents are delivered by ZoneDrones instead of Santa’s reindeer! But when they stumble on a curious clue, eleven-year-old Etta and her friend Monty find themselves thrown into a fight to bring back Christmas. Racing against time and against the might of Winterzone, they must find the real Santa—before the true meaning of the festive season is lost forever..."
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Very very Christmassy with all the great Christmassy feels plus plus plus.
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#DavidBaddiel #VirtuallyChristmas #Book #Books #Read #Reads #Reading #Review #Reviews #BookReview #BookReviews #GoodReads #Audiobook #Audiobooks #BorrowBox #Christmas #Xmas #MerryChristmas #HappyChristmas #MerryXmas #HappyXmas #HappyHolidays #CrimboReads
BorrowBox - HarperCollins UK
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 out of 5 stars
BorrowBox writes, "It used to be the most WONDERFUL time of the year, but for years Christmas has been taken over by Winterzone. All the things that made Christmas special are gone: the human connection, the baubles passed down through generations, even the rubbish cracker jokes. Instead, Christmas is run by robots, while 3D holograms of Santa Claus called Santavatars check if you’ve been naughty or nice—and on Christmas Eve, all of the presents are delivered by ZoneDrones instead of Santa’s reindeer! But when they stumble on a curious clue, eleven-year-old Etta and her friend Monty find themselves thrown into a fight to bring back Christmas. Racing against time and against the might of Winterzone, they must find the real Santa—before the true meaning of the festive season is lost forever..."
=====
Very very Christmassy with all the great Christmassy feels plus plus plus.
=====
#DavidBaddiel #VirtuallyChristmas #Book #Books #Read #Reads #Reading #Review #Reviews #BookReview #BookReviews #GoodReads #Audiobook #Audiobooks #BorrowBox #Christmas #Xmas #MerryChristmas #HappyChristmas #MerryXmas #HappyXmas #HappyHolidays #CrimboReads
December 16, 2022
This was a fun read that I read in an evening, its a fast flowing story with a modernised twist on Christmas. A child's dream of a 'real' christmas leads to a race to save Christmas amongst a world of dwindling believers and find what's truly real in a world of virtual living. The storyline was well thought of and the modern take was fantastic. I enjoyed how simple yet unique this story was and it is a lovely festive read that I know my children will thoroughly enjoy now that I've finished borrowing their book. There are some great illustrations throughout and plenty of kids humour sprinkled amongst the pages.
November 24, 2022
I listened to the audio book version and loved it. The characters were played by different actors but the main narration by David Baddiel himself.
I am a parent and wanted to listen to it before buying the book for my children. I always hate when children’s Christmas books/films spoil the ‘magic’ of Christmas and this one did not spoil it so I’m happy.
One thing I would say is that it’s more suited to older children due to there being a few chapters focused on the corporate/commercial world which younger readers/listeners may find boring.
Overall, loved it.
I am a parent and wanted to listen to it before buying the book for my children. I always hate when children’s Christmas books/films spoil the ‘magic’ of Christmas and this one did not spoil it so I’m happy.
One thing I would say is that it’s more suited to older children due to there being a few chapters focused on the corporate/commercial world which younger readers/listeners may find boring.
Overall, loved it.
December 29, 2023
Christmas has been taken over by big business. Winterzone now runs every aspect of the festive season with robots, drones and holograms. Etta's dad works for Winterzone but she wants a proper Christmas like the ones her late grandmother told her about...
Virtually Christmas is a children's book aimed at ages 7-12. The audiobook is mainly narrated by the author David Baddiel himself, with the characters voiced by a cast to bring them to life.
Computers and AI are taking over the world! (But don't panic, it's only fiction... :) ) However, Etta has been told magical tales of Christmases long ago and wants to find the magic which is far away from the uniform, sterile Christmas offered by Winterzone. She finds Santa but needs to convince him to step back into the fray and fight to resume his past glory.
I liked the modern touch of technology but there is an important message about the real meaning of Christmas and the danger of consumerism. Due to the satirical nature of the plot, I think this book is best suited to children at the older end of the age category. There were plenty of laughs as well as some emotional moments, and a big pinch of festive magic!
Virtually Christmas is an entertaining and thought-provoking children's book.
Virtually Christmas is a children's book aimed at ages 7-12. The audiobook is mainly narrated by the author David Baddiel himself, with the characters voiced by a cast to bring them to life.
Computers and AI are taking over the world! (But don't panic, it's only fiction... :) ) However, Etta has been told magical tales of Christmases long ago and wants to find the magic which is far away from the uniform, sterile Christmas offered by Winterzone. She finds Santa but needs to convince him to step back into the fray and fight to resume his past glory.
I liked the modern touch of technology but there is an important message about the real meaning of Christmas and the danger of consumerism. Due to the satirical nature of the plot, I think this book is best suited to children at the older end of the age category. There were plenty of laughs as well as some emotional moments, and a big pinch of festive magic!
Virtually Christmas is an entertaining and thought-provoking children's book.
November 24, 2023
Christmas in the future is being run by a company called Winterzone who have modernised Christmas to such a degree that everything is AI-generated. They have turned the season into a bland, cold time of year. Etta's Dad works for them but she wants the 'old' Christmas back, the traditional Christmas of tinsel and baubles etc. Together with her friend Monty they find the real Santa and set out to try and get him his job back by breaking the contract which binds him into anonymity. I enjoyed this book. It was well written and was a fun read. Great characters and nice illustrations.
December 3, 2024
Obviously I need to test drive new Christmas paraphernalia before passing it on to my son (😉; and I’d wanted to check out one of David Baddiel’s books in a while, remembering him from the telly in the early 90s (why do so many British comedians become children’s book authors?). It’s really good - a dystopian Christmas story, with crackling dialogue and funny characters, told with wit and intelligence. I think my son will enjoy it.
December 18, 2024
‘Bry’s smile seemed to grow bigger but somehow, now, not kinder. “And we at Winterzone are really wondering why you’ve been doing that.”’
A great little Christmas story about a corporation called Winterzone who modernises Christmas and how one girl tries to get back the real Christmas. Great illustrations that compliment the narrative and very easy to read, I enjoyed this for what it was- a great story.
A great little Christmas story about a corporation called Winterzone who modernises Christmas and how one girl tries to get back the real Christmas. Great illustrations that compliment the narrative and very easy to read, I enjoyed this for what it was- a great story.
December 31, 2022
Decided to listen to a Christmas book to get me in the Christmas spirit. This is a short story but it took me a long time to get through it! The story depicts the alternative futuristic Christmas and two children who strive to get the traditional Christmas back. A children’s story but I still found it a bit too child-like in the way it was put together.
November 26, 2022
A super fun book for the holiday’s.
January 10, 2023
Really fun and engaging book about how a young girl and boy set out to prove everyone wrong.
January 22, 2023
Perfectly fine (if slight) story which crossed Facebook with Santa Claus, in typical Baddiel style.
February 16, 2023
So good and funny.
December 7, 2023
3.5 stars. Sweet, and with an interesting concept, but not as memorable as other Christmas books I’ve read for younger audiences.
December 18, 2023
3.75 stars. Fun little futuristic story.
December 20, 2023
Really good book. I would highly recommend it as it was very Christmassy and made me get me even more into the christmas spirit
January 20, 2024
I love it when they all celebrate at the end after saving and returning santa to ruler of Christmas 🎅
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2024
Read this to my kids! Was pretty decent
June 7, 2025
very enjoyable book for young adults and adults who love Christmas 🎄
December 17, 2025
Very cute children's adventure novel. It was an action packed, Christmasy, futuristic story. The illustrations throughout were really well done.
👌🏻
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September 13, 2025
I was in the Christmas mood and this delivered. So cosy and sweet, not the kinda book im into now but still so much fun.
February 7, 2023
It was cute and nice!
February 15, 2023
Quick easy read,
December 3, 2024
What would happen if Christmas was taken away from Santa Claus and given to a huge corporation? Find out here!
Winterzone, where Etta's dad works, has taken everything about the festive season that makes it wonderful and replaced them with ZoneDrones to deliver presents, Santavatars to check if you've been naughty or nice and the whole event is run by robots!
Etta and her friend Monty spy somebody who might be the man in the red suit with a white beard that they've heard so much about. They set off on an adventure to restore the true meaning of Christmas.
This is very realistic - even with all the technology - as parts of Christmas are so linked in with buying things. It's a special reminder to spend Christmas with the people you love rather than the presents you receive.
Winterzone, where Etta's dad works, has taken everything about the festive season that makes it wonderful and replaced them with ZoneDrones to deliver presents, Santavatars to check if you've been naughty or nice and the whole event is run by robots!
Etta and her friend Monty spy somebody who might be the man in the red suit with a white beard that they've heard so much about. They set off on an adventure to restore the true meaning of Christmas.
This is very realistic - even with all the technology - as parts of Christmas are so linked in with buying things. It's a special reminder to spend Christmas with the people you love rather than the presents you receive.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews