Father Christmas.

Father Christmas dates back to the 1600’s and was based on St Nicholas.  St. Nicholas was the Bishop of Myra, a city in present day turkey, during the 4^th century.  He was a kind hearted man and wanted to give to the poor and needy without them knowing. One story says that St. Nicholas climbed the roof of a house and dropped a bag of money down the chimney which landed in a stocking that a young girl had hung to dry. See our Santa with Baby Jesus Ornaments.

Father Christmas had a stout frame and wore a long green robe because green represented the coming of spring and the hope of new life. Sometimes his robe was trimmed with fur and he would have a wreath of holly on his head. He was a friend to all people and animals loved him too. Father Christmas flew over houses on an enchanted white horse on Christmas Eve and left presents of chocolate and fruit in shoes the children would leave out for him. Check out our Exquisite Santa Christmas Tree Toppers.

Father Christmas in France.

In France Father Christmas is known as Pere Noel, here he has a donkey named Mistletoe to help him. In France homes are decorated with greenery and beautiful Christmas trees filled with ornaments. Special attention is paid to the crèche or nativity scene. In French nativity sets you find figures of the Holy Family, sheep, wise men and also shop keepers, farmers, fisherman, townsfolk, dogs, cats etc. These represent people and things from all walks of life and are called “les santons” or little saints. On Christmas Eve the baby is added to the crèche and most families gather to eat a large dinner. After dinner the family prepares for Pere Noel. Children fill their shoes with carrots and hay for Mistletoe and leave them by the fire with a glass of wine for Pere Noel. When all are asleep Pere Noel travels with Mistletoe and an overflowing bag of gifts, to each home. He fills their shoes with nuts, candies, fruit and presents. See these Collectible Santa Figurines.

How Father Christmas Became Santa Claus.