A lot has changed about Santa Claus over the centuries. The classic origin of Santa Claus was Saint Nicholas, (“Saint Nick”) a Greek bishop, in the 3rd century, from Myra, (modern day turkey). He was famous for secret gift giving, thus becoming the model for Santa Claus. Fast forward sixteen centuries to the early 19th century, when Clement Clarke Moore wrote “A Visit From St. Nicolas,” (“Twas The Night Before Christmas.”) (Moore was my 9th or twelfth cousin—I’m sure of that because all Moores had to start from a Moore somewhere!). The Santa Claus story, fleshed out, evolved over decades to provide a story line producing songs, tales, books, and, imagery that continues.
Down through the centuries the image of St. Nick gravitated along assorted depictions. And since the 1800’s he has mostly been seen as a rotund, jolly old man, wearing a red, white-fur-lined suit; a caricature of Santa Claus, the creation of Haddon Hubbard “Sunny” Sundblom. He created that icon for The Coca-Cola Company. Sundblom was an American artist of Finnish and Swedish descent and, if known at all, it is for the images of Santa Claus most familiar to most of the public.. Therefore, his character is the perennial image that comes to mind when Santa Claus is mentioned. Children visiting “Santa Claus” in malls and department stores, expect to see this “Jolly Old Elf” (who looks nothing like an elf.)
Sometimes complaints arise about the extreme focus on Santa Claus, shopping and commercialization of Christmas. Their fears are that the true meaning of Christmas is being hijacked. Traditions, stories, myths, and images are fluid. There is no containing collateral sojourners. Running through the Christmas, Santa Claus, and decorations narratives is the theme of “Giving.” Amid all the noise of Christmas, Christians joyfully celebrate the theme; The Gift of God’s Son, Jesus sets the stage. Controlling how, or why others celebrate Christmas, and the joy of giving is beyond that realm .
In Christian worship, during the season of Christmas, Joy, Hope, Love. and Peace are primary focal points. Countless means provide avenues for getting the message out. One of the favorite means of Celebrating Christmas is music. Secular and religious celebrations of Christmas are a melange of emigrated cultural traditions. The long view reflects the world into which the Messiah was born. The evolution of Christmas celebration today may not look the same centuries from now. The Reason for the Season, remains.
I wondered why I did not see you post on Friday. I am at Jay’s for a week. Hope you have a Merry Christmas. Ann