The fear of return a damaged book
The embarrassment that comes with returning a damaged book or a lost receipt to the bookstore depicts the theme of fear of return. The narrator wonders why bookshops should stock the Twelve Terrors of Christmas by John Updike, expecting it to be taken back when they know that it is too small and can get lost easily. According to the narrator, the book is so small that it can fit in a trousers pocket. Therefore, the chances of damaging or losing the book are very high. The narrator concludes that no one in his right mind can accept being humiliated by returning to the bookstore to explain the circumstances under which the book was lost or damaged.
The routine nature of Christmas
The narrator is concerned that Christmas activities are the same and that nothing is unique. According to the narrator, the most disgusting person is Father Christmas. Father Christmas is old-fashioned and does not realize that times are changing. For instance, he wears the same fake white beard and a red suit every Christmas day. In addition, the same carols are sung every season, making Christmas monotonous. Therefore, the narrator wishes things could change and make Christmas day more enjoyable and entertaining. However, the narrator does not suggest the changes he would like to see, but his point is that Christmas could be more exciting and varied if new approaches and exhibitions were introduced.
Suspicion
The decision of Father Christmas to live at the North Pole raises suspicions, and the narrator questions his hidden agenda. The narrator speculates that one of the reasons why Father Christmas lives so far away from people is because his body smells bad. The narrator needs clarification on why Father Christmas must show up only during Christmas with the same outfit and deliveries. The narrator's suspicion escalates when he realizes Father Christmas prefers to live with reindeer, a dog, and a cat, instead of people. Therefore, the narrator wants to understand why Father Christmas chooses a different lifestyle from the rest but only joins them on Christmas day.
