The Untold Story of Father Christmas

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Through the Victorians’ reinvention of Christmas, Father Christmas has maintained his place as a popular figure, albeit one that is now interchangeable with Santa Claus. This is a great video from The Postal Museum which explains how the tradition of writing to Santa – and expecting a reply – came about. In 1822, Clement Clarke Moore, an Episcopal minister, wrote a long Christmas poem for his three daughters entitled “An Account of a Visit from St. Nicholas,” more popularly known as “‘Twas The Night Before Christmas.” The mass production of cards during the Victorian era helped to spread the festive spirit far and wide. According to historians, Santa first appeared in England in 1864, co-starring with Father Christmas in a story by American author Susanna Warner. In her tale, Santa brought gifts while Father Christmas appeared in a pantomime-type of play.

And with ever-growing numbers of children writing, the Post Office began helping Santa with his replies! Johnson’s character appeared in old-fashioned clothes, sported a long thin beard and was accompanied by several of his children, each personifying a tradition from the period. Father Christmas, in The Untold Story of Father Christmas, is actually just a toy maker who is very good at his job. He creates loads of toys to sell in villages, for all of the children who’s parents can afford them. He has a lovely wife called Mary who helps him create his toys, however, they both are saddened when they are unable to have a child of their own. This sadness is doubled during the winter months, when the children of their village who are unable to afford new toys are not gifted with any for Christmas. Fast forward to 1809, when Washington Irving wrote that Dutch families in New York were still telling tales of Sinterklaas on St Nicholas’s Day. As Christmas became more focused on family and children during the Victorian era, a new kind of Father Christmas emerged. This version was less about drinking, feasting, and making merriment and more about giving gifts to children.Once plagued by boisterous behaviour led by the ‘Lord of Misrule’ and unruly children, the festivities were redefined by the Victorians as a time for children, religion and charity.

Then in 1821, a poem called ‘Old Santeclaus with Much Delight’ was published that described Santa wearing a red coat, a riding a sleigh pulled by reindeer. By now, the traditional day for the delivery of presents had moved from St Nicholas’ Day to Christmas Eve. Later, in Tudor and Stuart times, the ‘Lord of Misrule’ oversaw Christmas festivities in aristocratic homes. Other names included ‘Prince Christmas’, ‘The Christmas Lord’ and ‘Captain Christmas’. In none of these depictions was he an old man with a white beard.

Who is Father Christmas?

oooOooo The Untold Story of Father Christmas How a toymaker became a father to children around the world? You might like to know what the last posting day is for children in the UK who want to write to Father Christmas. The Royal Mail can help! Did you know? The Salvation Army has been sending Santa Claus-clad donation collectors into the streets since the 1890s. Sinter Klaas Comes to New York

In the 15th century a personality that can be likened to Father Christmas first appeared in a carol. The song tells of ‘Sir Christëmas’ sharing the news of the birth of Christ and urging everyone to “ Make good cheer and be merry“. Today, Father Christmas is synonymous with Christmas cheer, gift-giving and spreading joy to all. He’s become an integral part of our festive traditions and has evolved alongside the changing times. As Allan says, he’s a bit like Santa but has ‘rather different origin and function’ in our festivities.

The History of Father Christmas in English Folklore

From jolly old man to winter sprite, Father Christmas has taken many forms over the centuries. But how did this allegorical figure become the iconic symbol of the festivities we know and love today? Who is Father Christmas? In it, Father Christmas reads a story for children about how he came into being – and how he is such an iconic figure today. oooOooo Letters to Father Christmas Why did children in Britain start receiving replies from Santa? The Untold Story of Father Christmas is one that feels very well written and thought out, with beautiful notes of hope, working together, and ensuring that the magic of Christmas is still there. The book itself is beautiful too. The silver trim feels magical, and the pictures within the book look like they’ve been passed down from generation to generation. It’s a lovely Christmas story to read with your little one, especially if they are curious about how Father Christmas came to be and how he found a bunch of Elves to help him! As Europe evolved and spread its traditions, Sinterklaas eventually inspired the development of Father Christmas in England. While the two icons share similarities – such as delivering gifts to children – it’s clear that Father Christmas is far less frightening than his predecessor.