Overview
- Seasonal explainers reaffirm that the modern Santa evolved from Saint Nicholas of Myra, with the name derived from the Dutch Sinterklaas brought to early America.
- Clement Clarke Moore’s 1823 poem established key traits such as the sleigh, flying reindeer and chimney entry, shaping the now-familiar Christmas Eve lore.
- Thomas Nast’s 19th‑century illustrations helped standardize Santa’s look and lore, including the North Pole home, elves, Mrs Claus and a white‑trimmed suit.
- Reports note that Victorian and earlier depictions showed Father Christmas in green and other colours, while Coca‑Cola’s 1930s ads widely popularised the bright red, jolly image.
- NORAD and Google are running real‑time Santa trackers for Christmas 2025, with NORAD’s tradition tracing back to a 1955 misdial to CONAD answered by Colonel Harry Shoup.