Santa Claus, affectionately known as Saint Nicholas or Kris Kringle, has a storied past deeply intertwined with Christmas traditions. Commonly envisioned as the cheerful, red-suited figure delivering toys to well-behaved children on Christmas Eve, Santa’s origins trace back to the 3rd century. This era marks the lifetime of Saint Nicholas, who later became known as the patron saint of children. This exploration delves into the evolution of Santa Claus from his earliest beginnings to the modern-day ‘Mall Santas’, underscoring the pivotal contributions of Clement Clark Moore and Thomas Nast in moulding the Santa Claus millions of children eagerly anticipate each Christmas Eve.
The origin story of Santa Claus finds its roots in the legend of Saint Nicholas, a monk born around A.D. 280 in present-day Turkey. Celebrated for his compassion and religious devotion, Saint Nicholas’s life inspired numerous legends, notably his generous act of providing dowries for three impoverished sisters, saving them from an unfortunate destiny.
Nicholas’s fame escalated over the years, earning him a reputation as the protector of children and sailors. His death anniversary on December 6 became a day of celebration and was once considered auspicious for significant purchases or weddings. His legacy thrived through the Renaissance and even after the Protestant Reformation, maintaining a positive image, especially in Holland.
The cultural impact of St. Nicholas in America began in the late 18th century, with Dutch families in New York commemorating his death. This led to the evolution of his Dutch nickname, Sinter Klaas, into Santa Claus. John Pintard’s 1804 distribution of St. Nicholas engravings at the New York Historical Society introduced visuals that prefigured the contemporary Santa iconography. Washington Irving’s 1809 The History of New York further popularized St. Nicholas, depicting him in various outfits and roles.
The tradition of Christmas, centring on gift-giving for children, took off in the 19th century. Retailers started capitalizing and promoting Christmas shopping by 1820, with Santa Claus becoming a prominent figure in advertising. The first appearance of a ‘live’ Santa Claus in a Philadelphia store in 1841 marked the beginning of an enduring tradition. The Salvation Army, needing funds for Christmas meals, began dressing unemployed men as Santa Claus in the early 1890s, a practice that continues in America and other cities today as well.
The iconic representation of Kris Kringle in the 1947 film Miracle on 34th Street, and its subsequent remakes, further solidified the popular image of Santa Claus. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Santa Claus, an annual feature since 1924, has become a beloved figure worldwide.
The 1822 poem An Account of a Visit from St. Nicholas by Clement Clarke Moore, commonly known as ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas, was instrumental in crafting the contemporary image of Santa Claus. Moore’s depiction of a jovial, magical elf was later visually conceptualized by Thomas Nast in his 1881 Harper’s Weekly cartoon, establishing the quintessential Santa Claus imagery, complete with a red suit, North Pole workshop, and elves.
Santa Claus, as known in 18th-century America, is one of many similar figures in global Christmas traditions. Each culture has its version of a holiday gift-giver, from the Christkind in Germanic regions to Jultomten in Scandinavia, Father Christmas in England, Père Noël in France, and La Befana in Italy, each adding unique cultural layers to the narrative.
Santa Claus is often portrayed as a magical figure who travels from house to house on Christmas Eve, distributing gifts. He is imagined as living at the North Pole with Mrs. Claus, riding a reindeer-led sleigh, and entering homes through the chimney. American Christmas customs also include children leaving snacks for Santa and his reindeer, and the concept of Santa’s “naughty and nice” lists, which feature prominently in festive songs and stories.
Rudolph, now an iconic part of Santa’s reindeer team, was a creation of the 20th century by Robert L. May for Montgomery Ward in 1939. His narrative of turning a disadvantage into a strength captured the public’s imagination, leading to widespread popularity and adaptations in various forms of media.
Santa’s jovial “Ho! Ho! Ho!” echoes through the ages, a reminder of the joy and wonder he brings. This iconic laugh, symbolizing happiness and goodwill, is at the heart of the Christmas spirit. As children around the world pen their letters to Santa, brimming with wishes and hopes, they also remember the age-old adage: being good and kind throughout the year is the key to finding favour with Santa. So, as the holiday season approaches, let’s spread kindness, share joy, and keep the spirit of Santa Claus alive in our hearts.
(The author is an advocate practising at Guwahati High Court. All views and opinions expressed in the article are the author’s own)
