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Show you’re a Santa and not a Scrooge this Christmas
21 Dec 2010
Even in these times of austerity and icy weather a new National Literacy Trust survey reveals that most people relate to the jolly and generous nature of Santa Claus with over a third of those polled naming him as the Christmas story character they are most like. The charity is asking those who are feeling generous like Santa to give the gift of reading to disadvantaged children this Christmas.
In the survey, which asked people which well-known Christmas story character they relate to, Santa Claus from ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas polled 33% and was closely followed by Ruldolph the Red Nosed Reindeer from the book of the same name, with 31% of people claiming to identify with the ever cheerful and hard-working reindeer. 23% of people considered themselves to be more like the magical and mysterious Snowman from Raymond Briggs’ much-loved children’s book The Snowman. Just 13% of those polled said “bah humbug” and identified with the miserable Scrooge from the Dickens classic A Christmas Carol.
These characters are well-loved but 1 in 4* children in the UK may have never read these classic Christmas tales because they don’t have books of their own to read over the festive season or at anytime throughout the year. The National Literacy Trust is a charity working with children in disadvantaged areas, inspiring them to develop a love of reading and giving them the chance to choose and own a book – often for the first time**. By helping these children to develop vital literacy skills the charity is increasing their chances of living a fulfilling and successful adult life.
Results released this month from the OECD’s assessment of the literacy of 15-year-olds across the world showed that the UK has slipped down in international rankings. The UK is now at 25th place, down from 17th in 2006 and 7th in 2000. As poor literacy is linked to poverty, unemployment, poor health and low aspirations, this finding suggests that supporting our children’s reading and writing is more of a priority than ever before.
Buy the gift of reading for yourself or the booklover in your life now. You could make a real difference:
- A £7 gift of reading means a child could choose a book of their own to keep.
- A £20 gift of reading means a child could choose three books of their own to keep.
- A £60 gift of reading means three children could choose three books of their own to keep
Ends
*Clark and Hawkins (2010) Young People’s Reading: The importance of the home environment and family support. The full research report is available on the National Literacy Trust website here.
**The books are of excellent quality and will be given to children at inspirational reading events where they learn how to choose books for themselves and where they can get books easily in the future – perhaps by joining their local library.
For further information please contact Anna Lindsay, National Literacy Trust Public Relations Officer on 020 7820 6256 or Anna.Lindsay@literacytrust.org.uk
About the National Literacy Trust
The National Literacy Trust is an independent charity that transforms lives through literacy. We believe that society will only be fair when everyone has the literacy skills they need to communicate, to fulfil their potential and to contribute more to society. We campaign to improve public understanding of the vital importance of literacy, as well as delivering projects and working in partnership to reach those most in need of support.
To help us transform lives through literacy, you can make a donation.
National Literacy Trust is a registered charity no. 1116260, and a company limited by guarantee, no. 5836486. Registered in England and Wales. Registered address: 68 South Lambeth Road, London SW8 1RL. Tel: 020 7587 1842.
