Evolution of Santa Claus from St Nicholas to Modern Gift Giver
The article traces Santa Claus origins from the Dutch Saint Nicholas, a fourth century bishop, to his modern image. It notes St Nicholas’s Christmas Eve rounds, the Dutch horse tradition, and how Clement C Moore popularized the elf version in A Visit from St Nicholas, with reindeer and a red suit expanding his global presence.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Santa Claus
Saint Nikolaas
St Nicholas
Encyclopedia Americana
Europe
New World
Clement C Moore
Santa
Saint Nick
Legends of Yuletide Trees Blooming Through History
A survey of Christmas tree legends links many species to Nativity tales. The cherry tree supposedly bent to let Mary pick fruit, while the Glastonbury Thorn folk tale says a staff planted by St Joseph of Arimathea grew into a living tree bearing blossoms at Christmas.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Mary
Glastonbury
Joseph of
Arimathea
England
Upside Down Christmas Tree Sparks Holiday Lore
A Grants Pass Oregon household displayed a ceiling hung Christmas tree last December. The quirky setup prompts thoughts on holiday customs born of problem solving. The piece recounts plum pudding origins and Martin Luther’s candle lit tree as origin stories.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Robert Reilly
Grants Pass
Santa helpers and Epiphany gift traditions
The article notes Santa Claus remains popular in Christmas gifting while in Northern Europe children await St Nicholas on December 5 eve. It also mentions Spain and Latin America where the Three Kings bring gifts on Epiphany Eve, January 5.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Santa Claus
Europe
St Nicholas
Spain
Latin America
Evolution of Santa on Christmas Cards Through History
Esther Mooney notes greeting cards in the 19th century rarely featured Santa, often showing dour Father Christmas or Saint Nicholas figures. Early cards emphasized children and flowers, with Santa appearing sporadically. The modern jolly Santa emerged around 1909, shown in red jacket with blue trousers, a white beard, and a cheerful expression, often on a hobby horse rather than a sleigh.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Santa
Sarita
Claus
Esther Mooney
Norcross
Father
Also Mentioned on This Page
Saint Nicholas
Holland
Merle and
Adeliene
Dial
Bayard
Yuletide
Christ
Martin Luther
Luther
Ot Weast
Suz
Instant Energy Ight and Power Company
Nicholas
Reefin
Hristas
Central Iowa Milling, Inc
Herndon
First National Bank of
Perry
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