Paul Calvert, who was born in Carlisle and grew up in Welton, will release his new book – ‘The Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree’ on Thursday, November 20.
The book follows Norwegian tree ‘Evergreen’ on its quest to fulfil its dream of becoming the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree.
In his own words, the book captures Paul’s love of Christmas, with the Carlisle-born author and journalist drawn to the romance of the festive season and a keen writer, who traces his authorial roots back to Cumbria where he regularly wrote comedy sketches as a teenager.
However, Paul began writing his Christmas book in December 2023, just two months after the beginning of the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
As this conflict played out across the region, Christmas celebrations were shelved in Bethlehem.
“This book was all written in Bethlehem and in a very difficult time for Bethlehem,” Paul said.
“October 7 happened, which was difficult for Israel, but the knock-on effect for the Palestinians here in Bethlehem was that there was no tourism.
“Bethlehem is built on tourism and with no tourists the economy went flat, people lost their jobs, and because people were in mourning for Gaza there was no Christmas tree, there was no light, and there scouts, who usually march through the city with their instruments, marched without music as it was a time of mourning.”
After a ceasefire was agreed between Hamas and Israel in October, Paul is hopeful that the spirit of Christmas and festive celebrations will return to Bethlehem.
Paul is also happy that the release of his new Christmas book coincides with these festivities.
He said: “It’s really special. We have had two years without Christmas and now my book is coming out and we are going to be able to go and watch the lighting of the Christmas tree in Bethlehem.
“It is going to be nice to celebrate Christmas and feel the magic of Christmas again because we haven’t had that for two years.
“When I wrote the book we had no Christmas celebrations at all, and now that it is coming out the tree will be lit, the lights will be lit, and there will be an amazing atmosphere.”