SleighingIt Luminaries

Dating back to the 3rd century, Saint Nicholas is known as the patron saint of children and sailors. His feast day, December 6th, included the tradition of gift giving, especially to children. Over time, this would merge with the celebration of Christmas.

Initially, Santa was seen as a slim, kindly old man, wearing a red robe. But with the publication of Clement Clarke Moore’s “Twas the Night Before Christmas” in 1822, Santa became known as a “jolly old elf” with a “little round belly.” This description inspired cartoonist Thomas Nast, who drew the first image of the cheerful, rotund, white-bearded man in a red suit holding a sack full of toys. Published in Harper’s Weekly in 1881, Nast also gave Santa his North Pole workshop address. After all, where else would he live with his reindeer?

Santa’s image was further refined in 1931 by Coca Cola. Definitively portly, in a red suit with white fur trim, black belt and boots, this is how we see Santa today as he flies from the North Pole in his magic sleigh.

Santa Claus is coming to town!