Neet B'fore Christmas in Sheffield

“Neet B’fore Christmas in Sheffield” is a unique festive children’s book that brings together the warmth of Christmas traditions with the character and charm of Sheffield dialect.

Written and illustrated by Sheffield artist Zoe Burgar, the book is a creative reimagining of the much-loved classic poem ’Twas the Night Before Christmas'.

What makes this version special is its unmistakable Sheffield voice. The poem has been carefully adapted so that local readers can recognise familiar turns of phrase, while visitors and families further afield will enjoy the playful rhythm and authentic sense of place. The dialect is not too broad or hard to follow, just enough to give the story its identity and celebrate Sheffield culture. Words and expressions that echo the city’s streets, characters, and humour are woven through the text, creating a story that feels proudly local while remaining accessible to all.

The book features 24 pages of full-colour illustrations, designed to capture the excitement, warmth, and wonder of Christmas Eve. The artwork is both festive and rooted in Sheffield life, giving a glimpse of a city that shines especially brightly at Christmastime. Children will delight in spotting the details, while parents and grandparents will enjoy reading the verses aloud, perhaps even slipping into the accent themselves.

“Neet B’fore Christmas in Sheffield” is more than just a story – it’s a seasonal keepsake. At 210mm x 210mm, it’s the perfect size for little hands to hold, yet beautifully produced so it sits proudly on a family bookshelf or coffee table. With its rhyming verses, beautiful illustrations, and cultural flavour, it makes an ideal gift for Sheffield families, ex-pats missing home, or anyone who loves a Christmas tale told with character and heart.

The official launch takes place on 1st November 2025, just in time for the festive season. 

Stockists from the 1st November:
Annie Judes - Middlewood Rd, Hillsborough
1554 Gift Shop - Sheffield Cathedral
The Green Shop - Marlcliffe Road, Wadsley
Henderson's Relish - Online Store

***More to follow***
 

By blending the magic of Christmas with the down-to-earth warmth of Sheffield, Zoe Burgar has created something truly original. “Neet B’fore Christmas in Sheffield” stands as a reminder that stories don’t just belong to far-off places – they can be rooted right at home, in the voices and traditions that make a city unique. 

Whether read on Christmas Eve with children tucked up in bed, or given as a thoughtful seasonal gift, this book promises to become a cherished part of many families’ festive traditions.