Great Big Story celebrated Christmas 2023 by taking a lighthearted and amusing look at the fascinating history of Santa Claus.
In their quest to uncover the origins of Santa’s iconic red and white suit, they debunked the popular misconception that Coca-Cola was responsible for its creation. While Coca-Cola did feature Santa Claus in their ad campaigns, they weren’t the ones who introduced the red and white attire.
Surprisingly, Santa began making appearances in advertisements as early as the 19th century, showcasing his joyful spirit in various forms. One such example was his presence in an ad for a US confection company’s sugar plums, spreading joy and sweetness during the holiday season.
Another notable appearance was on the cover of the humor magazine, Puck, where Santa’s jovial figure brought laughter to readers. But the story of Santa Claus is not limited to the United States.
Great Big Story delved into the international origins of this beloved character, exploring how he merged with the British figure of Father Christmas. The fusion of these two iconic characters gave birth to the Santa Claus we know today, with his generous nature and magical ability to deliver presents to children around the world.
The entertaining journey of Santa Claus didn’t end there. Great Big Story also delved into how Santa Claus found his way into malls. This phenomenon can be traced back to the ingenious mind of James Edgar in 1890. Inspired by the festive spirit, James Edgar had a brilliant idea to dress up as Santa and spread holiday cheer in his department store located in Massachusetts.
Little did he know that this simple act would ignite a trend that would sweep the nation. Year after year, more and more stores followed suit, embracing the tradition of having a Santa Claus to entertain and delight their customers during the holiday season.
The dedication to Santa impersonation eventually led to the establishment of the world’s oldest and continuously operating Santa school. Charles W. Howard, a passionate Santa impersonator, founded the Charles W. Howard Santa School in 1937.
This unique institution has been imparting the art of being Santa to aspiring individuals from all walks of life. From perfecting the jolly laugh to mastering the art of handling curious children, the school has become a hub for those who embody the spirit of Santa Claus. The legacy of Charles W. Howard lives on through his school, ensuring that the enchanting tradition of Santa Claus continues to thrive.
Great Big Story’s exploration of Santa Claus was not only informative but also served as a heartfelt opportunity to extend warm wishes to their viewers. They concluded their festive journey by reminding everyone of the joyous presence Santa brings into our lives. From delivering presents to devouring cookies and milk left for him, Santa Claus’s role in our holiday celebrations is truly magical.
