SANTA'S JOURNEY THROUGH TIME by Teresa Inge

Any kid can tell you where Santa Claus is from—the North Pole. But his historical journey is even longer and more fantastic than his annual, one-night circumnavigation of the globe.

Santa Claus, also known as Saint Nicholas, Kris Kringle, or simply Santa, is a legendary figure who embodies the spirit of Christmas. His story is a blend of history, folklore, and popular culture, making him one of the most beloved characters during the holiday season.

Origins and Evolution

The origins of Santa Claus can be traced back to Saint Nicholas, a fourth-century Greek bishop known for his generosity and kindness. Saint Nicholas was famous for his secret gift-giving, which laid the foundation for the modern image of Santa Claus. Over the centuries, his legend evolved, incorporating elements from various cultures and traditions.

In the 19th century, the modern image of Santa Claus began to take shape. The poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas," commonly known as "The Night Before Christmas," written by Clement Clarke Moore in 1823, played a significant role in shaping the contemporary depiction of Santa. The poem described Santa as a jolly, plump figure with a white beard, dressed in a red suit trimmed with white fur, and driving a sleigh pulled by reindeer.

Washington Irving's 1809 book Knickerbocker's History of New York first portrayed a pipe-smoking Nicholas soaring over the rooftops in a flying wagon, delivering presents to good girls and boys and switches to bad ones.

Cultural Impact

Santa Claus has become a central figure in Christmas celebrations around the world. He is often depicted as a cheerful, benevolent character who brings joy and gifts to children on Christmas Eve. The tradition of Santa Claus visiting homes and leaving presents under the Christmas tree has become a cherished part of holiday festivities.

Santa's image has been popularized through various forms of media, including literature, films, and advertisements. The Coca-Cola Company's 1930s advertising campaign featuring Santa Claus in a red suit helped solidify his modern appearance and further embedded him in popular culture.

A modern Santa

Today, Santa can be tracked on Google Tracker alternating between traveling and handing out presents in cities on Christmas Eve. Numerous movies and books have been made about Santa. And television ads portray a modern Santa in the Capital One commercial with John Travolta strutting his stuff in a Santa suit to the Bee Gees ‘Staying’ Alive.’  While Target features a hunky Santa Claus depicting the jolly man as Kris K, a team member at the popular department store.