Guide Note

The legendary character of Santa Claus is well known for bringing smiles to children's faces throughout the ages with his jolly laugh and gift giving. The modern depiction of Santa Claus is that of a fat, jolly man wearing a red coat and trousers with white cuffs and collar, and black leather belt and boots. This caricature became popular in 19th century America largely due to political cartoonist Thomas Nast. His depictio is identical in the United Kingdom and Europe, but he is commonly called Father Christmas.

Fast Facts

1. The American Saint Nicholas originates from the Dutch Sinterklaas
2. AKA: Saint Nicholas, Kris Kringle, Father Christmas
3. Gift giving circuit on Christmas Eve in America
4. Gifts are left each December 6th in Poland

1. Modern legend says that Santa lives in the far north, in a land of perpetual snow
   1. American Santa Claus resides at the North Pole
   2. Father Christmas resides in Finland
2. Santa is married to Mrs. Claus
3. Santa makes a list of children throughout the world, categorizing them according to their behavior
   1. Presents, including toys and candy, are delivered to all of the good boys and girls
   2. Coal or sticks are delivered to the naughty children
   3. Delivery is made in one night with the assistance of magical elves who make the toys, and nine flying reindeer who pull his sleigh

There have been groups opposed to teaching children to believe in Santa Claus. Some of these groups objections are:

1. The tradition of Santa detracts from the religious origins and meaning of Christmas
2. Santa Claus is an elaborate lie, so it is unethical for parents to teach their children to believe in his existence
3. View of Santa as a symbol of the commercialization of Christmas
4. Santa is an intrusion upon native cultural traditions