December 23, 2025 | 03:51 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Christmas represents a period when warmth, joy, and a sense of togetherness are most strongly felt. While it is widely celebrated for its gift-giving traditions and festive decorations, much of the season’s cheer also comes from its iconic red-suited figure: Santa Claus.
While we may believe that we know him well, do we truly understand the history of Santa Claus and how he became connected with Christmas? Let’s explore the story behind this iconic holiday figure, according to Britannica and USA Today.
The History of Santa Claus
Santa Claus’ origins are rooted in traditions associated with Saint Nicholas, a 4th-century Christian saint often depicted in red bishop’s robes and known for his secret gift-giving. According to the Museum of Arts & Sciences, the Feast of Saint Nicholas, celebrated on December 6, was highly popular across Europe throughout the Middle Ages. Yet, the celebration declined in the 16th century, leaving the Netherlands being the only country that continued the tradition.
In the late 1700s, Dutch immigrants gradually brought the story of Saint Nicholas to New Amsterdam (present-day New York City). This later inspired influential patriot and New York Historical Society founder John Pintard to promote Saint Nicholas as the patron saint of both the society and the city in 1804. Along with this revival came the custom of giving gifts and sweets to children on the saint’s feast day.
How Old Is Santa Claus?
As USA Today highlights, Santa Claus’ origins trace back to Saint Nicholas, born around 280 AD, which would make him about 1,745 years old in 2025.
What’s the Origin of Today’s Santa Claus Depiction?
The depiction of the modern Santa Claus was largely credited to John Pintard’s request to commission artist Alexander Anderson to create an image of the saint. From Anderson’s illustrations, the figure was portrayed as a religious character who placed gifts in fireside stockings and was associated with rewarding children for good behavior. In 1804, Pintard later distributed woodcuts of St. Nicholas at the society’s annual meeting.
However, it was cartoonist Thomas Nast whose drawings of Santa Claus had the greatest influence on the image recognized today. In 1863, Nast created an illustration for Harper’s Weekly, the most widely read journal in the United States during the Civil War. This illustration marked the first depiction of Santa Claus as a plump, bearded elf. As Nast continued to draw the figure for more than 30 years, he gradually changed the colour of Santa’s coat from tan to the now-familiar red.
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