Last year, I asked ‘Who is Santa Claus?’ We discussed the origins and early incarnations of the figure we now understand to be Santa through a more global lens. So this year, I want to continue this conversation, but look specifically at how he became America’s poster boy for Christmas, and why this could be challenged in future, as I ask… why is Santa so American?
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Special guest for this episode:
- Thomas Ruys Smith, a Professor of American Literature and Culture and Deputy Director of the New Area Studies Research Centre. In 2023, he published The Last Gift: The Christmas Stories of Mary E. Wilkins Freeman, and his new book, Searching for Santa Claus: An Anthology of the Poems, Stories and Illustrations That Shaped an American Icon, is available to buy now.
- Vaughn Joy, whose doctoral research, Selling Out Santa, focuses specifically on Hollywood Christmas Films in the age of McCarthy.
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Highlights from this episode:
- The discussion revolved around the transformation of Santa Claus into an American cultural icon over the years.
- We explored how Santa's early depictions varied regionally across America, reflecting different cultural influences and customs.
- The podcast highlighted the role of commercialism in shaping Santa’s image, especially during the rise of department stores in the late 19th century.
- Santa Claus has evolved through various literary and film interpretations, reflecting societal values and changes in American culture.
- The conversation touched on the implications of Santa's myth on children's expectations around Christmas and societal values of generosity and goodwill.
- We examined how modern iterations of Santa are influenced by current events and cultural shifts, showcasing his adaptability in American folklore.
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Additional Resources:
Amazon.com: The Last Gift: The Christmas Stories of Mary E. Wilkins Freeman edited by Thomas Ruys Smith
Searching for Santa Claus: An Anthology of the Poems, Stories and Illustrations That Shaped an American Icon by Thomas Ruys Smith
Selling Out Santa: Hollywood Christmas Films in the Age of McCarthy by Vaughn Joy
Old Santeclaus with Much Delight: The Children's Friend: A New-Year's Present, to the Little Ones from Five to Twelve
'Twas the Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore
A Mischievous St. Nick from the Smithsonian American Art Museum
Santa Claus (1898)
A Little Girl Who Did Not Believe in Santa Claus (1907)
Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus (1897)
Is There a Santa Claus? By Jacob Riis
Miracle On 34th Street 1947/ 1994 Double Pack
The Little Messenger Birds: Or, the Chimes of the Silver Bells by Caroline Butler
Thomas Nast - Hello!, Santa Claus! (originally published in "Harper's Weekly," December 20, 1884) - The Metropolitan Museum of Art
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And if you like this episode, you might also love:
What is the War on Christmas?
How to Make a Hollywood Christmas Movie
What's the History of Christmas in America?
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This episode is sponsored by What's Your Map
What's Your Map is the British Podcast Award-winning show from map expert Professor Jerry Brotton. In each episode, he invites a special guest to share a map that means something to them. It's a fascinating show, and you can listen to the new season right now: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/whats-your-map/id1766500219
