Christmas Icon History

Santa Claus

Santa Claus, as we know him today, has had a long history throughout the western world. Most agree that he is the amalgamation of several historical characters that shared the most recognized Santa Claus beliefs today. The current image of Santa in America is a drawing by Thomas Nast in 1881, where Santa took on the jolly size and look he has today. It wasn't until the 1900s that Santa donned his famous red and white suit.

Nutcrackers

Nutcrackers originated in Germany and were used to crack nuts open during dinner. Early nutcrackers were birds. They came into their more recognized soldiers and kings in the 1600s. The connection to Christmas began in the 1800s with the premiere of "The Nutcracker" ballet by Tchaikovsky. Since that time, people have been fascinated with the Christmas story and the brave nutcracker hero.

Cardinals

Cardinals have a natural connection to the Christmas season. They usually stay in snowy northern climates after other birds have migrated away. Their colorful plumage allows them to stand out in wintry conditions. Adopting them as Christmas icons were easy since cardinals are considered messengers of warmth, love, and hope.

Gnomes

In the 19th century Norway, gnomes were spirits who were protectors of the farms and homes. At Christmas, they took on the task of being the gift-bearer and brought gifts to the family. These gnomes also had a mischievous streak and loved porridge with butter. The Christmas gnome is still prevalent in Norwegian culture today.

Snowflake

The snowflake became a Christmas icon during the Victorian era when many of our modern traditions formed. Between the snowy climate of England and Germany, the book "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens, and the trend-setting Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, the snowflake was a natural choice for Christmas celebrations.

Snowmen

There are images of snowmen dating back to the 1500s in print and from the 1800s in photographs. The snowman became a Christmas icon in 1950 with the release of the song "Frosty the Snowman" and the subsequent TV show of the same name in 1969.