Miracle on 34th Street (novella)

Miracle on 34th Street is a novella by Valentine Davies, published in 1947 concurrently with the release of the classic Christmas film of the same name. While the film is far better known, the novella provides a more detailed exploration of the characters and themes present in the story.

The novella follows the story of Kris Kringle, an elderly man who is hired to play Santa Claus at Macy's flagship department store in New York City. Kris genuinely believes he is Santa Claus, and his unwavering faith and commitment to spreading Christmas cheer have a profound impact on the employees, customers, and ultimately the entire city. The central conflict revolves around convincing people, particularly a cynical single mother named Doris Walker and her daughter Susan, to believe in the spirit of Christmas and the possibility of the seemingly impossible.

The novella delves deeper into the legal and philosophical arguments surrounding Kris's identity, exploring the concept of faith, imagination, and the true meaning of Christmas beyond commercialism. Judge Henry X. Harper's role and internal struggles are also more fully developed in the novella. Davies uses the story to critique the growing commercialization of Christmas and advocates for a return to the values of kindness, generosity, and belief.

Unlike some novelizations, Miracle on 34th Street the novella stands as a companion piece to the film, offering a richer and more nuanced understanding of its core message.