The era saw the birth of a family-friendly Christmas season and the reinterpretation of previous traditions.

Since its launch over 100 thousand families have stepped through the magical doorway at Lapland UK. They help the elves prepare for Christmas Eve, and meet Eeko, Whittle and Pixie Mixie as well as Mother and Father Christmas themselves.Often when a book is released in association with an existing attraction, the results can be a little disappointing. But not so for “The Untold Story of Father Christmas” which had my children absolutely spell-bound. oooOooo Letters to Father Christmas Why did children in Britain start receiving replies from Santa?

It’s the most wonderful time of the year – Christmas! And with that comes the joyous arrival of the other iconic festive figure – Santa Claus! 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“. For many, Santa Claus and Father Christmas are different names for the same man. There are, however, some historical and cultural differences.It was playwright Ben Johnson who crafted a yuletide performance for the royal court in 1616 that portrayed Father Christmas for the first time as an old man and a father. Today, Santa Claus remains the dominant symbol of Christmas all around the world, thanks to his origins as a character created by New Yorkers and his subsequent rise to popularity worldwide.

Rudolph, “the most famous reindeer of all,” was born over 100 years after his eight flying counterparts. The red-nosed wonder was the creation of Robert L. May, a copywriter at the Montgomery Ward department store. However, the Victorians of the ruling classes needed an alternative figure to Father Christmas, who was infamous for his love of parties. They sought a jolly and generous character dedicated to children and Santa Claus emerged as the perfect fit. In 1658, in a story called ‘The Examination and Tryall of Old Father Christmas’, our festive friend was shown as having a fur-trimmed, old-fashioned gown and a white beard. In the story, he is put on trial for his life but was – thankfully for us! – acquitted by the jury. In York, another possible precursor to Father Christmas was celebrated in a festival called the ‘Yule Ridings.’ It took place on December 21st and featured a man disguised as Yule – usually a man-sized goat – carrying meat and cake through the streets and throwing nuts into the crowd. However, in 1572, the event was banned due to complaints of ‘very rude and barbarous’ behaviour. 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?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.

As Santa’s legend continued to spread, the imagination of generations of artists and writers added to the story. In the early days of Christmas celebrations, Father Christmas wasn’t very child-friendly, he was often shown as a mischievous merrymaker who presided over raucous festive celebrations. From Saint Nicholas to the jolly old elf, we know and love today, Santa has evolved over the centuries. And then Father Christmas met Santa Claus …The German Christmas tree, popularised by Prince Albert and Queen Victoria, became a permanent fixture in British homes, while the act of gift-giving shifted from New Year to Christmas. A legal obligation to deliver letters, even to Toyland and Lapland, meant a solution had to be found. St Nicholas’s reputation spread after 1087 when his relics were moved to Italy. Over time, the stories about generously providing gold to those in need led to the tradition of leaving gifts on the evening before St Nicholas’s Day, the 6th of December. This is also when Sinterklaas entertainers would don red bishops’ outfits to delight crowds and special markets sold toys and treats for the occasion. oooOooo The Untold Story of Father Christmas How a toymaker became a father to children around the world?