The Origin of Santa Claus A Presentation by Chris MacKinnon

Where Did Santa Come From? k Children all over the world look forward to his visit every December 25th because of all the toys and gifts he brings to all k But how did Santa Claus become associated with Christmas?

Saint Nicholas k Santa Claus evolved from Saint Nicholas. k Saint Nicholas was a bishop, in A.D, of a small town in Asia Minor. k He was recognized for his generosity.

Saint Nicholas k He became the patron saint of little children and of school children. k The Dutch were responsible for preserving the tradition of the feast of Saint Nicholas on December 6th after European countries abolished it after the Protestant Reformation.

More on the Dutch Connection k After the XVII century, Dutch people emigrated to the United States. k After several decades, the Dutch custom of celebrating the Feast of Saint Nicholas spread to the United States. k Sinter Klaas became Santa Claus for Americans

The Legacy of Saint Nicholas k He was a thoughtful philanthropist. k He was usually depicted as an old man with a long white beard wearing a long capped coat. k He remained a very moralistic figure.

The Legacy of Saint Nicholas k He rewarded deserving children and punished the difficult or unruly ones. k After a few decades, Christian society found it more appropriate to bring this children’s festival, on December 6th closer to that of the Infant Jesus. k From this time on, Saint Nicholas made his rounds on December 24, Christmas Eve.

The Influence of the Press k Credit for having brought together all the incarnations of Christian gift givers was due to the American press, in Clement Clarke Moore’s famous 1823 poem entitled, A Visit From Saint Nicholas. k In this poem, the gift giver is depicted as a curious little elf who comes down chimneys and travels with 8 reindeer.

Old Habits Die Hard k But the old habit of threatening unruly children, with no gifts from Santa Claus still exists today.

Santa’s Image k From 1863 to the 1890’s, Thomas Nast, created images of Santa for the Christmas editions of Harper’s Magazine. k It was 1920’s when the image of Santa Claus became standardized to portray a bearded, overweight, jolly man dressed in a red suit with a white trim.

Rudolph k Rudolph was added as the ninth reindeer in 1939 in a poem by Robert L. May of the Montgomery Ward Company.

The Coca-Cola Connection k From , Haddon Sundblom, an illustrator for Coca- Cola, drew a series of Santa images in Coke’s Christmas ads. k This is the image most familiar to us as Santa.

Christmas Quiz k Take the Christmas quiz to test your knowledge of Santa and the holiday season. k Click here to take the quiz. Quiz

Credits k TEXT k k k k PICTURES k k santa.html k