Santa Claus

Santa Claus, also known as Saint Nicholas, Father Christmas, Kris Kringle, or simply "Santa", is a figure which was derived from the Dutch figure of Sinterklaas, a historical, legendary and mythological figure who in many Western Cultures, is said to bring gifts to the homes of the good children during the late evening and overnight hours of Christmas Eve, December 24 or on his Feast Day, December 6 Saint Nicholas Day. The legend may have part of its basis in hagiographical tales concerning the historical figure of gift giver Saint Nicholas. A nearly identical story is attributed by Greek and Byzantine folklore to Basil of Caesarea. Basil's feast day on January 1 is considered the time of exchanging gifts in Greece.

While Saint Nicholas was originally portrayed wearing bishop's robes, today Santa Claus is generally depicted as a plump, jolly, white-bearded man wearing a red coat with white collar and cuffs, white-cuffed red trousers, and black leather belt and boots (images of him rarely have a beard with no mustache). This image became popular in the United States and Canada in the 19th century due to the significant influence of caricaturist and political cartoonist Thomas Nast this image has been maintained and reinforced through song, radio, television and films. In the United Kingdom and Europe, he is often depicted in a manner identical to the American Santa Claus, but he is commonly called Father Christmas.

We carry an assortment of Old World Santa's depicting him in different years and from different countries. Here are a few of those Santa's.

The Memories of Santa Collection are authentic reproductions from antique chocolate molds, early chroma-lithographs and turn-of-the-century post cards. These beautiful replicas depict the evolution of Santa Claus from the Early St. Nicholas to the Santa we know today.

New Memories of Santa Collection 1897 Santa Figurine Ornament Figure

1897

A Czechoslovakian St. Nick, dressed in green with icicles on his brow, inspired by an antique Christmas card from Prague.





















New Memories of Santa Collection Circa 1920 Santa Figurine Ornament Figure

Santa with the famous and popular Teddy Bear named after President Theodore Roosevelt.








We have 17 other years as well as the two above years. Each unique and lovely. These sure make a real nice gift or to keep for yourself and decorate your tree.

You can find these fine Santa's in our store Comycgyrl Collectibles