Father Christmas is central to our Christmas celebrations, but the history behind this bearded, red-suited, gift-giving figure is an interesting mix of European cultural influences.
Saint Nicholas
Saint Nicholas was an early Christian bishop in the late Roman era in Myra, in what is now Turkey. Canonised for his kindness to marginalised groups like thieves and money lenders, he was famous for miracles, including saving lives at sea by calming a storm. He had a reputation as a giver of gifts and distributing money to the poor.
By the late medieval times, Saint Nicholas had entered English culture, and Saint Nicholas Day on December 6th became a commonly celebrated festival that included the provision of food and clothing for the needy. Meanwhile, the Dutch reinterpreted the figure of Saint Nicholas into Sinterklaas, and commemorated him in early December. The name is, of course, the forerunner of our modern-day Santa Claus.
Santa Claus and Father Christmas
By the 1850s, the Americanised Santa Claus made his way into Victorian Christmas celebrations, and what had been a feast day based on adults developed into the child-focused Christmas we have today. The image of the red gown with white fur trim, the sleigh and the beard slowly embedded itself into English culture. The pre-existing tradition of leaving a stocking or shoe out for fairies to fill with gifts combined with the newly adopted idea of Father Christmas delivering his presents secretly in the night.
This Christmas Eve, when families turn on their Christmas lights and send excited children to bed, they will be enjoying a centuries ancient tradition based on hope, kindness and optimism.
