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These 8 inch tin Santa figurines are standing on an iridescent glitter covered white and light blue cloud. There is a white and light blue metal hook under the center front of the angel statue that swings under and behind the angel figurine collectible so it can stand anywhere. The Christmas holder stocking is wearing a long red robe that is trimmed in white fur. The robe is decorated with a gold loop design around the edges and there is a blue with holly stripe around the cuffs that matches the band around his stocking cap. Santa’s sack is dark green with gold stars and a red ribbon to keep it closed. There is a gold horn, a red and green drum, and a blue and white package spilling out of the Christmas sack. In his right hand, Father Christmas is holding a brown shepherd’s staff that is wrapped with black wire and has a holly sprig decoration. The grey beard, mustache, and eyebrows bring out the jolly rosy cheeks and the slight twinkle in his black eyes. The dark blue Santa boots are standing on the cloud base that has gold wires supporting gold stars. Select this link to view our Christmas stocking holders.
Old World Christmas Santa Claus history: Santa Claus truly represents a veritable melting pot of cultures, beliefs and traditions. As immigrants arrived in the New World centuries ago, along with their hopes and dreams for a better future, they brought with them their beliefs and customs surrounding the holidays. The Germans brought their Belznickel and Christkindl, the Scandinavians their gift-giving elves and the Dutch introduced the Sinterklaas, all representing the celebration of St. Nicholas. The American legend of Santa Claus embodies childhood innocence and magical delight, as Santa Claus is the bearer of gifts and treats for children everywhere. With his home at the wintry North Pole, he and his merry elves created the toys that put the magic into the holidays. He was a kind and gentle figure, and starry-eyed children awaited his annual visit with spirited anticipation. The legend of Santa Claus is derived in part from the benevolent European figure St. Nicholas, and in part from American writers who wrote children’s poems in the nineteenth century. Clement Moore, who wrote “A Visit From St. Nicholas” in 1822, and Thomas Nast, the famed political cartoonist who depicted Santa Claus in the 1860’s as an elfin figure, contributed greatly to this fantasy. Their descriptions of the jolly man clad in red and white created the folk hero children around the world dream about on Christmas Eve. This American patron saint of children certainly brings joy and delight to all during the holidays. Select this link to view our Christmas tree skirt.
Santa Claus: Christmas would not be complete without Santa Claus. His laughter and gifts are an integral part of Christmas, more so for children. Children peer through the windows waiting for Santa’s arrival. He is believed to come riding through the snow in a sleigh pulled by reindeer, led by his favorite Rudolph the red nosed reindeer. Santa is also accompanied by Elvin, the elf, who looks after Rudolph.
Children believe that Santa Claus makes gifts for them. Many children leave stockings so that Santa can put their gifts in them. Others even decorate their Christmas list and put it on the windowsill along with a little bit of sugar so that Father Christmas won’t miss them. They also leave pies or cookies and some kind of drink as a snack for Santa.
The custom of Santa Claus coming along with a sack of gifts is related to the life of Saint Nicholas. Nicholas was a generous saint who lived in a town called Partara in the East. He was very fond of children and was kind to the poor and the downtrodden. For all the wonderful things he did, his life came to be symbolized in the legend of Santa Claus. Santa Claus is an integral part of the spirit of Christmas.
In 1881, political cartoonist Thomas Nast drew on Clement Moore’s poem, “Twas the night before Christmas”, to create the image we have of Santa Claus today. His cartoon, which appeared in Harper's Weekly, depicted Santa as a round, cheerful man with a full, white beard, holding a sack full of toys. It was Thomas Nast who gave Santa Claus his bright red suit, trimmed with white fur, his sleigh with reindeer, the North Pole workshop, elves, and his wife, Mrs. Claus. Select this link to view our Christmas stockings.