Edwin Osgood Grover once said, “Santa Claus is anyone who loves another and seeks to make them happy.” This sentiment offers a fresh perspective on the traditional image of the white-bearded man in a red suit with a hearty laugh. Santa remains the most iconic character associated with Christmas—a symbol of love and generosity that has stood the test of time for centuries. While we’ve explored some of Santa’s mysteries before, many unanswered questions remain about him, from his name to his attire. To shed some light, here are ten little-known facts about the beloved figure.
1. Santa Schools Exist
Have you ever wondered how shopping centres manage to find jolly gentlemen to play Santa every year? The answer might surprise you: many of them graduate from “Santa schools.” Aspiring Santas undergo training to perfect their craft in countries such as the UK, the US, Sweden, and Germany. For example, the US has Santa University in Arvada, Colorado. While not all schools go by that name, they aim to ensure each Santa is ready to spread cheer.
2. Some Places Face a Santa Shortage
Stephen Arnold, President of the International Brotherhood of Real Bearded Santas, recently revealed a surprising fact: there’s a shortage of Santas and Mrs Clauses in the US. The Covid-19 pandemic played a significant role in this, as many Santas fell into high-risk categories. Additionally, companies like Hire Santa report that demand has surged as people look forward to more traditional celebrations post-lockdown. This shortage isn’t confined to the US; it’s also been noted in parts of Europe. If you have a local Santa, you might want to appreciate them even more!
3. The Dutch Gave Santa His Name
The evolution from Saint Nicholas to Santa Claus can be traced back to the 1800s, thanks to Dutch immigrants in the US. These immigrants brought with them the tradition of “Sinterklaas,” a Dutch abbreviation of Saint Nicholas. The name gained popularity when the New York Historical Society distributed images of Saint Nicholas, and author Washington Irving described him as the patron saint of New York.
4. A Poem Popularised His Image
Clement Clarke Moore’s 1822 poem ’Twas the Night Before Christmas shaped modern perceptions of Santa. In it, Moore described Santa as a “jolly old elf” with the magical ability to ascend chimneys. While the poem didn’t specify the now-iconic red suit and white beard, it laid the groundwork for the Santa we know today.
5. Coca-Cola Didn’t Invent the Red Suit
While Coca-Cola’s 1931 adverts, created by Swedish-American artist Haddon Sundblom, popularised Santa’s red suit, they weren’t the origin. The first depiction of Santa in red came from Thomas Nast’s illustrations in 1881, inspired by Moore’s poem. Coca-Cola’s adverts helped cement the red-suited Santa as a global symbol, but they didn’t create it.
6. All Letters to Santa Go to One Post Office
The Santa Claus Post Office in Indiana, USA, has become a hub for letters addressed to Santa. It all began in 1914 when the local postmaster started replying to children’s letters. Today, thousands of letters are received and answered by volunteers from the non-profit organisation Santa’s Elves. Despite initial controversy, the practice has become a beloved tradition.
7. The Puritans Disliked Santa
While Santa is seen as a symbol of love and joy today, the Puritans had a different view. They considered Christmas celebrations, including Santa, to be pagan practices adopted from English and German traditions. In fact, Christmas observance was once punishable by fines in Massachusetts. Even after ’Twas the Night Before Christmas was published, Puritans dismissed Santa as an anti-Christian figure.
8. The Real Saint Nicholas Gave Gold
The historical Saint Nicholas, who lived in modern-day Turkey, inspired Santa’s association with generosity. He famously dropped pouches of gold through the windows of poor families, enabling parents to afford dowries for their daughters. This act of kindness is a key reason Saint Nicholas became a symbol of gift-giving and protection.
9. Mrs Claus Is a Modern Addition
The idea of Santa having a wife is relatively recent. In 1849, missionary James Rees wrote A Christmas Legend, which mentioned an elderly couple visiting a family on Christmas Eve. While they weren’t explicitly named Mr and Mrs Claus, the concept took root. Over time, Mrs Claus became a recognised figure in poems and stories, sharing her husband’s fame.
10. Santa Has a Pilot’s Licence
Canada made headlines by issuing Santa and Mrs Claus official passports, but did you know Santa also holds a pilot’s licence? In 1927, the US government issued Santa a license along with a map of airways to ensure he could safely navigate while delivering presents. Whether or not you believe in flying reindeer, Santa’s credentials are certainly in order!