Episode 125
Santa Claus vs Father Christmas
Thomas Ruys Smith traces the tangled history of the bearded bringer of Christmas cheer
December 22, 202519m 23s
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Show Notes
The true identity of the white-bearded, red-robed figure who fills children’s stockings at Christmas has long been debated. This Long Read written by Thomas Ruys Smith sizes up the merry contenders.
Today’s feature originally appeared in the Christmas 2025 issue of BBC History Magazine, and has been voiced in partnership with the RNIB.
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