TNT’s The Closer ran their Christmas episode this week, focusing on a man who played Santa professionally. That figure is generally presented as the personification of the holiday, even though he’s a relatively recent addition.
The idea of a winter festival goes back to the Romans, but it took a couple thousand years to resemble our American holiday. Even though Saint Nicholas lived in the 4th Century, the version of Saint Nick that followed wouldn’t be familiar to kids today.
“A Visit From St. Nicholas” established a number of conventions in 1823. Thomas Nast’s 1863 illustration of Santa created a certain look, later solidified in the early 20th Century. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer appeared in 1939. The role of Mrs. Claus comes from George Melachrino’s 1956 song “Mrs. Santa Claus.” Other popular songs about Kris Kringle include “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” (1935) and “Here Comes Santa Claus” (1947).
All of which is to say that most of our Christmas traditions come from the 19th Century, but the modern vision of Santa is a product of the 20th.
Two songs today about the Man in the Red Suit, both from 2008.
Nashville musician Jeremy Lister, who also sings with the band Street Corner Symphony, offers a glimpse of a Santa who’s lost his way, hanging out “down in Mexico drinking tequila and wine.” From The Raveonettes’ Christmas EP Wishing You A Rave Christmas, here’s a lo-fi appeal from the Danish indie rock duo for Santa to bring on the good cheer.
Jeremy Lister – Santa’s Lost His Mojo — BUY
The Raveonettes – Come On Santa — BUY