Saint Nicholas of Myra
The earliest roots of Santa Claus lie in the real-life figure of Saint Nicholas of Myra, a Christian bishop from the 4th century known for his deep compassion, faith, and generosity. Saint Nicholas was born around 280 AD in Patara, part of the Roman Empire, and is now in modern-day Turkey. Born to wealthy Christian parents and raised by his uncle, the Bishop of Patara, Nicholas was known for his piety and, after inheriting his family’s wealth, chose to give much of it away to those in need. He became the Bishop of Myra (now Demre, Turkey) and was admired for his kind deeds, especially his secret acts of generosity.[1]
The stories contributing to Santa’s image as a gift-giver began with tales of Saint Nicholas’s benevolence. One of the most famous stories is about a poor man with three daughters. In the era when Saint Nicholas lived, a dowry was necessary for young women to marry. Without one, women often faced lives of servitude or worse. Hearing of the family’s predicament, Nicholas anonymously left bags of gold at their house, reportedly tossing them through an open window, where the gold landed in stockings drying by the fire. (Does this ring a bell?)
Nicholas secretly visited his house three nights in a row. On the third night, the father stayed awake to discover his mysterious patron, catching up to Nicholas and thanking him profoundly. Nicholas asked him to keep his identity a secret, a request the man honored. This act is the basis for Santa’s association with secret gift-giving. As far back as 1700 years ago, children would hang stockings or set out their shoes, hoping Saint Nicholas would visit during the night and leave them coins![2]
Saint Nicholas, the Patron Saint
After his death on December 6, around 343 AD, Saint Nicholas’s tomb became a pilgrimage site, and stories of his kindness spread widely. He was canonized as a saint and soon became the patron saint of children, sailors, merchants, archers, brewers, pawnbrokers, students — you name it! He really was the patron of the people. (Click here to see his long list). Thousands of churches were named after him, including over 300 in Belgium, 34 in Rome, 23 in the Netherlands, and more than 400 in England.
Saint Nicholas’s popularity spread far and wide throughout the Middle Ages. His feast day, December 6, is celebrated in many parts of Europe. His connection with gift-giving on his feast day led to small presents being exchanged in his honor. In the Netherlands, St. Nicholas is celebrated on December 5th, the eve of his feast day, with traditions like sharing candies (often tossed through the door), chocolate letter initials, small gifts, and riddles. Dutch children leave carrots and hay in their shoes for St. Nicholas’s horse, hoping he’ll swap them for small treats![3]
Sinterklaas and Father Christmas
By the 17th century, the Dutch version of Saint Nicholas had taken on a new name: “Sinterklaas.” The name "Saint Nicholas" was transformed into "Sinterklaas" through linguistic evolution and regional dialects in the Netherlands, where devotion to Saint Nicholas had become particularly strong. His reputation as a protector of children and sailors resonated deeply in this coastal region, and he became one of the Netherlands' most beloved saints.[4]
During the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century, veneration of saints was discouraged, and in many parts of Europe, celebrations of Saint Nicholas were suppressed. However, in the Netherlands, where Catholic traditions remained somewhat influential, Saint Nicholas’s popularity endured, though it transformed over time. To avoid religious controversies, the celebration became more secular and folk-oriented. Saint Nicholas’s role shifted from a saintly protector to a folkloric figure associated with gift-giving on the eve of his feast day, December 5.[5] Sinterklaas was reimagined as a kindly, elderly man with a bishop’s attire, including a red robe and staff, who would arrive on horseback from Spain (likely a nod to the Spanish rule over the Netherlands at the time). Sinterklaas’s arrival marked a time for family gatherings, gift exchanges, and playful rhymes.[6]
Sinterklaas Arrives in America
Dutch settlers brought Sinterklaas traditions to America in the 17th century, particularly to New Amsterdam (modern-day New York City). These settlers continued to celebrate Sinterklaas, keeping the Dutch tradition of honoring a magical figure who brought gifts to children on his feast day. Over time, this tradition began merging with English, German, and other European customs, setting the stage for the transformation of Sinterklaas into Santa Claus.
English speakers struggled with the Dutch pronunciation of “Sinterklaas,” which sounded like “Santa Claus” to English ears. Over time, Sinterklaas became Santa Claus, retaining the figure’s spirit of gift-giving!
Christmas shopping advertisements were started by stores in the 1820s. Once 1840 rolled around, newspapers had festive sections featuring holiday ads with images of the famous, reimagined Santa Claus. Things kept snowballing (wink, wink) from here. Children became thrilled at the chance to catch a glimpse of Santa Claus in person. This was when stores began to use Santa’s allure to their advertising advantage. Shops catered to children and adults with lifesize cutouts of him, and some stores even promised a peek at the “real” Santa Claus![7]
Santa in 'Twas the Night Before Christmas
An Episcopal minister named Clement Clarke Moore penned a lengthy Christmas poem for his three daughters in 1822, titled “An Account of a Visit from St. Nicholas.” This poem is now famously known as “‘Twas The Night Before Christmas.” While Moore was hesitant to even publish the poem, the piece became an iconic part of Christmas tradition, shaping the modern image of Santa Claus and capturing generations with its timeless charm.[8]
Moore’s Santa Claus is depicted as a cheerful, plump “jolly old elf” with a round belly that “shakes like a bowl full of jelly.” Instead of traveling by horseback like earlier European traditions, he arrives on Christmas Eve in a sleigh pulled by eight reindeer, each with a whimsical name. Slipping into homes through the chimney, he stealthily fills stockings with gifts before magically vanishing into the night. The poem unified European traditions, transforming Saint Nicholas and Sinterklaas into the uniquely American Santa Claus we recognize today![9]
Thomas Nast’s Santa
Thomas Nast, a prominent American political cartoonist, is credited with creating the modern visual image of Santa Claus that we know and love.
Between 1863 and 1886, Nast contributed 33 Christmas-themed illustrations to Harper’s Weekly. One of these drawings depicted a village named “Santa Claussville, N.P.,” with "N.P." standing for the North Pole- a detail that helped establish Santa’s famous arctic home! His choice of location was no coincidence. During the 1840s and 1850s, the Arctic captured the public's imagination in Europe and America thanks to widely publicized expeditions to the region. Nast’s decision to place Santa’s home at the North Pole not only added a sense of mystery and wonder to Santa’s story but also tied the character to the spirit of exploration that excited audiences at the time. This reason, combined with the fact that Santa’s favorite flying reindeer live in the Arctic already, made the snowy region proved to be the perfect home for Santa.[10]
Although early depictions of Santa Claus showed him wearing a variety of colors, Nast popularized the red suit that is now universally associated with Santa. Nast’s Santa was cheerful, plump, and round, with a full white beard, bright cheeks, and a hearty laugh. This portrayal of Santa as a cheerful, grandfatherly figure became his timeless and iconic image!
Not only did Nast craft Santa’s signature red suit and cheerful appearance, but he also brought Santa’s entire magical world to life. From the sleigh pulled by eight uniquely named reindeer to the bustling workshop at the North Pole staffed by hardworking elves, to the famous ‘naughty and nice’ list, Santa became not just a symbol of joy but also a keeper of holiday morality.
Nast’s Santa resonated with people of all ages, reinforcing the notion of a magical, benevolent figure associated with Christmas cheer. His images, alongside the rise of commercial Christmas advertising, contributed to the widespread adoption of this new image of Santa, which eventually overshadowed other depictions of Saint Nicholas or Father Christmas in American and global culture.[11]
The Coca-Cola Santa
While Thomas Nast laid the foundation for Santa Claus’s modern image, it was the 20th century that truly propelled Santa into the global icon we recognize today. Building on Nast’s cheerful, red-suited character, the Coca-Cola Company took Santa’s story to new heights through an advertising campaign that solidified his place in popular culture. By adding a relatable, human touch to Santa’s persona, Coca-Cola transformed him from a beloved holiday figure into a universal symbol of joy and festivity!
In 1931, Coca-Cola hired illustrator Haddon Sundblom to create a new depiction of Santa Claus for their holiday advertisements. Sundblom drew inspiration from Nast’s illustrations, as well as Clement Clarke Moore’s poem, pieces we know quite well by now! Sundblom’s Santa Claus featured familiar features with a twist. While Santa had been portrayed in red before, Sundblom’s version solidified the bright red suit with white fur trim as his signature look.
The colors also conveniently matched Coca-Cola’s branding. Sundblom also portrayed Santa Claus in an authentic light. Santa was no longer an abstract, mystical figure; he was shown enjoying Coca-Cola, laughing, and interacting with children, making him feel like a part of everyday holiday celebrations![12]
Coca-Cola’s advertisements were distributed worldwide, cementing this version of Santa Claus as the definitive image in many cultures. Coca-Cola’s campaign progressed over the decades, portraying Santa in relatable scenarios that resonated with audiences. In 1936, during the Great Depression, the ad “Me too” depicted Santa embodying hope and solidarity during tough times. The 1937 ad, “Give and take, say I,” showed children leaving out bottles of Coca-Cola for Santa, reinforcing the tradition of giving during the holidays. In the 1961 advertisement “When friends drop in,” Santa was shown attempting to hush the family dog, highlighting the warmth and chaos of holiday gatherings. Customers and their children really felt connected to Coca-Cola’s Santa Claus. After the “Give and take, say I” ad, children actually started leaving bottles of Coca-Cola out — now that’s good marketing![13]
The Coca-Cola Santa Claus is more than just a marketing triumph — it’s a cultural icon. Sundblom’s vision brought a consistent, warm, and universally beloved portrayal of Santa to life, one that continues to influence how the world sees him today. Whether on a holiday card, in a store display, or at a family gathering, the image of Santa sipping a Coca-Cola embodies the magic and joy of Christmas.
Santa as a Global Icon
Through art, storytelling, and global marketing, Santa Claus became not just a character but a universal symbol of holiday cheer. Today, he embodies the spirit of giving, spreads happiness across cultures and generations, and reminds us of the magic of the Christmas season. Beyond his festive image, Santa’s impact extends to philanthropy and community spirit. From mall Santas raising money for charities to initiatives like the Salvation Army’s iconic bell-ringing Santas, his presence is a reminder to give back during the season of goodwill. Whether you call him Santa Claus, Kriss Kringle, Father Christmas, or any of the other 124 names he has across the globe, he is undoubtedly a timeless figure who continues to unite people worldwide in celebration, generosity, and joy!
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Sources
[1] “History of Santa.” Being Santa Claus, beingsantaclaus.us/history-of-santa/. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.
[2] McDaniel, Spencer. “The Long, Strange, Fascinating History of Santa Claus.” Tales of Times Forgotten, 30 Aug. 2020, talesoftimesforgotten.com/2019/12/07/the-long-strange-fascinating-history-of-santa-claus/.
[3] “Who Is St. Nicholas?” St. Nicholas Center, www.stnicholascenter.org/who-is-st-nicholas. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.
[4] Ruurs, Margriet. “The Story of St. Nicolaas - around the World.” Globetrotting Booklovers, Globetrotting Booklovers, 4 Dec. 2022, www.globetrottingbooklovers.com/blog/25e6owopmxk5dz9thwa2lwwh553u3o.
[5] “Protestantism.” Livius, www.livius.org/articles/person/nicholas-of-myra/nicholas-of-myra-3/. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024
[6] “Sinterklaas: History, Tradition & Controversy.” Musings and Adventures, 10 Dec. 2021, musingsandadventures.com/2021/12/08/sinterklaas-history-tradition-controversy/.
[7] “Santa Claus: Real Origins & Legend.” History.Com, A&E Television Networks, www.history.com/topics/christmas/santa-claus. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.
[8] “Santa Claus: Real Origins & Legend.” History.Com, A&E Television Networks, www.history.com/topics/christmas/santa-claus. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.
[9] “A Visit from St. Nicholas.” Poetry Foundation, Poetry Foundation, www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/43171/a-visit-from-st-nicholas. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.
[10] Expeditions, Oceanwide. “Oceanwide Expeditions.” Oceanwide Expeditions, oceanwide-expeditions.com/blog/st-nick-and-the-arctic-the-north-pole-christmas-connection. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.
[11] McQuade, Tonya. “How Civil War Cartoonist Thomas Nast Created Our Image of Santa Claus and Turned Santa into a Full-Fledged Union Supporter.” Emerging Civil War, 11 Jan. 2024, emergingcivilwar.com/2023/12/24/how-civil-war-cartoonist-thomas-nash-created-our-image-of-santa-claus-and-turned-santa-into-a-full-fledged-union-supporter/
[12] This Is How Coca - Cola “invented” Santa Claus, www.chron.com/business/article/This-is-how-Coca-Cola-invented-Santa-Claus-16727869.php. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.
[13] This Is How Coca - Cola “invented” Santa Claus, www.chron.com/business/article/This-is-how-Coca-Cola-invented-Santa-Claus-16727869.php. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.
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