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Santa lore shifts from Europe to New York origins
A nostalgic essay traces Santa Claus origins in American culture, noting Washington Irving's Knickerbocker History as pivotal to shaping the modern figure. It credits Clement Clarke Moore and Thomas Nast with popularizing a jolly, pipe-free Santa, evolving from a European elf to a round, cheerful figure.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Santa
New York
America
Washington Irving
No. 3
Wall Street
Sleepy Hollow
Rip van Winkle
Drich — Knickerbocker
Clement Clarke Moore
3Rd St
Tudson River
Manhattan
Thomas Nasty
Irving
Charles W. Jones
Europe
United States
Trying
Jones
St. Nicholas
New Amsterdam
Moore
St. Nick
Rosey Grier-big
Rexa Bud