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Show Notes
Father Christmas, Kris Kringle, Sinterklaas, Babbo Natale, Kanakaloka, Papa Noel, and Saint Nicholas - just some of the names used for a figure who has become synonymous with Christmas around the world. But who is this jolly fat man with the beard, and what makes him so American? In this episode, as we deck our halls and get ready for the holidays, I want to know… who is Santa Claus?
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Special guest for this episode:
- Thomas Ruys Smith, Professor of American Literature and Culture and Deputy Director of Area Studies at the University of East Anglia, and author of The Last Gift: The Christmas Stories of Mary E. Wilkins Freeman.
- Brian Earl, creator and host of Christmas Past
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Highlights from this episode:
- The figure of Santa Claus emerged as a distinct character in early 19th century America, influenced by various European traditions.
- Santa Claus is primarily associated with generosity and kindness, contrasting with earlier gift-bringing figures who had more sinister traits.
- Coca-Cola played a significant role in popularizing the red-suited image of Santa, although he was already depicted in red in earlier literature.
- The evolution of Santa Claus reflects a blend of cultural influences, including Dutch, German, and British traditions.
- Father Christmas and Santa Claus have merged over time, leading to a shared image of a benevolent gift-bringer.
- The commercialization of Santa Claus began as early as the 1820s, intertwining with seasonal marketing strategies in America.
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Additional Resources:
READ: The Last Gift: The Christmas Stories of Mary E. Wilkins Freeman by Thomas Ruys Smith
LISTEN: Christmas Past by Brian Earl
READ: The Children's Friend
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And if you like this episode, you might also love:
How to Make a Hollywood Christmas Movie
What's the History of Christmas in America?
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