Evolution of Santa Claus in American Legend
The article traces how Santa Claus emerged from European Saint Nicholas myths and German Krampus roots, morphed through Dutch and English influences, and gained modern traits from Washington Irving Clement Clarke Moore and Thomas Nast. It notes Irving’s 18th century depictions, Moore’s 1868 poem, and Nast’s cartoonist visions shaping the jolly, rotund figure with a round belly and twinkling eyes.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Santa Claus
America
Saint Nicholas
Saint Nick
American
Washington Irving
Knickerbocker
New York
Clement Moore
New York Theological Seminary
St. Nicholas
Saint
Moore
Thomas Nast
Hearst
Elf
Old Santa Still Spry in Centennial Year
Santa Claus, the Grand Old Man of Christmas, remains vigorous as he nears 100. Cartoonist Thomas Nast created the modern image of Santa in 1863 while illustrating Clement Clarke Moore’s poem. His early drawings shaped Santa’s iconic look and helped counter Boss Tweed era corruption.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Santa Claus
Thomas Nast
Nast
Clement Clark Moore
St. Nicholas
How Christmas Was Named
The article explains the origin of the name Christmas. It notes the term derives from the English phrase Christes Masse meaning Christ's Mass, highlighting its religious meaning and usage in English speaking countries.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Christ
First American Christmas Carol We Three Kings Origin
The piece claims the carol We Three Kings of Orient Are as the first all American Christmas song. It was written in 1867 by John Henry Hopkins a clergyman who composed both music and lyrics.
Russian scientists melt ice by spreading coal dust
Russian researchers claim to have opened ice locked harbors by dispersing coal dust which absorbs sunlight and lowers surface albedo causing melting. The method aims to clear shipping routes but faces questions about environmental impact and feasibility.
Weather turns Laos' seasons hazy and harsh
In wartorn Laos the climate shifts between bone-dry and rain flooded seasons. The smoky period makes visibility so poor that locals navigate by river routes and the shapes of known fields rather than looking ahead.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Laos
National_ Geographic Magazine
Dickens Christmas Carol A Timeless Seasonal Classic
The piece praises Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol as the quintessential Christmas tale. It notes its 1843 creation in London, its rapid, global reception, and its lasting impact through readings, radio and TV adaptations, with Tiny Tim and Scrooge central to its enduring appeal.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Charles Dickens
Dickens
London
Scrooge
Tim
Also Mentioned on This Page
Merry Arictma
Farmers Insurance Group
West Oneida
Preston
Dean Shaffer
City Coal & Feed Co
South State
O. K. Tire
Preston, Idaho
Santa
Boss Weeks
New York City
Nises
Virginia
Virginia O'Hanlon
New York ‘Sun
Francis E. Church
The
Old Sun
Preston Citizen
Three Ghosts
Tiny Tim
Happy
Merry Christmas
South
Millar Hatchery
Mrs
Ralph
Preston Cleaners
Bill and Reva
Huntington
E. Oneida
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