Various psychologists and researchers have wrestled with the ways that young children are convinced of the existence of Santa Claus, and have wondered whether children's abilities to critically weigh real-world evidence may be undermined by their belief in this or other imaginary figures. For example, psychology professor Jacqueline Woolley helped conduct a study that found, to the contrary, that children seemed competent in their use of logic, evidence, and comparative reasoning even though they might conclude that Santa Claus or other fanciful creatures were real: The image of Santa Claus as a benevolent character became reinforced with its association with charity and philanthropy, particularly by organizations such as the Salvation Army. Volunteers dressed as Santa Claus typically became part of fundraising drives to aid needy families at Christmas time. Howard, Jacqueline (19 December 2017). "How many kids still believe in Santa?". CNN . Retrieved 4 September 2023. Better Watch Out, Better Not Cry". Archived from the original on 20 January 2007 . Retrieved 13 December 2007. , Hilda Hoy, The Prague Post, 13 December 2006. From 2002 to 2014, Canada Post replied to approximately "one million letters or more a year, and in total answered more than 24.7 million letters"; [88] as of 2015, it responds to more than 1.5 million letters per year, "in over 30 languages, including Braille answering them all in the language they are written". [89] The tradition also exists in Great Britain [90] and Finland. [79]

According to legend, it all began in 1955, when a business posted a local newspaper advert featuring a telephone number for a Santa Claus hotline for children to call on Christmas Eve. Contreras, Russell. "Santa's Ethnicity Varies in Diverse U.S." NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth. Archived from the original on 11 December 2022 . Retrieved 11 December 2022. NORAD has carried out its Christmas role for over 60 years and since 1997, children across the globe have been able to monitor Santa's journey online. Santa Claus: History, Legend, & Facts". Encyclopedia Britannica. Archived from the original on 25 December 2021 . Retrieved 10 August 2020.Rudolf (2004). "Martin Luthers Christkind". Welt der Naturwissenschaften. Archived from the original on 15 February 2008 . Retrieved 24 April 2023. Santa Mail – Letters to Santa". Archived from the original on 12 November 2020 . Retrieved 25 November 2014. In Slovenia, Saint Nicholas (Miklavž) also brings small gifts for good children on the eve of 6 December. Božiček (Christmas Man) brings gifts on the eve of 25 December, and Dedek Mraz (Grandfather Frost) brings gifts in the evening of 31 December to be opened on New Years Day. Christmas knitting patterns are some of the most fun and enjoyable to make approaching the festive season. Made with love, our free Santa Claus knitting pattern makes a fabulous gift. Best yarn for knitting your Santa Canada Post – Holiday – Santa's Corner". Canadapost.ca. Archived from the original on 25 December 2010 . Retrieved 21 December 2010.

NZ Post to tighten net for Santa, by Alexis Grant, 30 Nov 2004". The New Zealand Herald. 30 November 2004. Archived from the original on 10 August 2011 . Retrieved 12 December 2010. After the children have fallen asleep, parents play the role of Santa Claus and leave their gifts under the Christmas tree, which may be signed as being "from Santa Claus". [52] [53] [54] A classic American image of Santa Claus Appearance Colonel Shoup, dubbed "Santa Colonel", later received multiple calls that night from other children, all looking for the whereabouts of Father Christmas.The idea of a wife for Santa Claus may have been the creation of American authors, beginning in the mid-19th century. In 1889, the poet Katharine Lee Bates popularized Mrs. Claus in the poem "Goody Santa Claus on a Sleigh Ride". "Is There a Santa Claus?" is the title of an iconic editorial by Francis Pharcellus Church in the 21 September 1897 edition of The New York Sun that became the most reprinted in the U.S. and included the famous reply, " Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus". [33] [34] Go for a Santa experience at London Zoo and you can follow the festive trail, post a letter to the North Pole, and visit the amazing sensory sweet shop too!

For the wild hunt, Simek (2010:372–373). For Jólnir, see Simek (2010:180) and Orchard (1997:189). For Langbarðr, see Simek (2010:186). Bever, Lindsey (22 December 2018). " 'Is there a Santa Claus?': How a child's letter inspired the classic 'Yes, Virginia' response". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on 17 March 2022 . Retrieved 25 August 2022. Santa Claus appears in a few video games. [49] Traditions and rituals Chimneys The Feast of Saint Nicholas by Jan Steen (c. 1665–1668)The Bluebell Railway in Sussex is offering private compartments for your yearly Santa Experience. You’ll get mince pies, chocolate coins, and plenty of Christmas music on your festive ride. Beijing International Post Office". Vip.fesco.com.cn. Archived from the original on 7 January 2008 . Retrieved 21 December 2010. a b "The Pagan Origins of Santa Claus". Learn Religions. Archived from the original on 1 January 2023 . Retrieved 1 January 2023.

If you’re looking for a bargain, shopping is a great thing to do on boxing day in England. 6. Lakeside – The Quay, in Essex Edward B. Colby (3 December 2009). "Town in the spirit: Dedham Square to be filled with song, shopping". Dedham Transcript. Archived from the original on 21 July 2011 . Retrieved 13 November 2010. DEDHAM—The fifth annual Dedham Square Holiday Stroll this... At 6 p.m., Jonathan Meath – better known as Santa JG, who performs with the Boston Pops – will entertain children and families at Cafe Video Paradiso with a sing-along with Santa. "We booked him months ago because we knew that he's in demand this time of year," Haelsen says. Interview: Jeremy Seal". St. Nicholas Center. Archived from the original on 1 January 2023 . Retrieved 1 January 2023.Aldrich, Ian (November 2011). "The Big Question: Why Should We Believe in Santa? We ask Kris Kringle, a.k.a. Jonathan Meath: Why Should We Believe in Santa?". Yankee Magazine. Archived from the original on 9 February 2013 . Retrieved 12 December 2012. Santa is really the only cultural icon we have who's male, does not carry a gun, and is all about peace One farm that’s going all out for its Santa day out this year is Rand Farm Park. From the 25th November to the 24th December they’ve got loads going on including the opportunity to decorate biscuits with Mrs Claus, the chance to meet real reindeer, a forest experience to walk through, a secret toy shop, the chance to meet Santa, and even more that we won’t spoil. It’s all going on! Shopping centre Santa grottos Victor, Daniel (25 December 2018). "Kids, Please Don't Read This Article on What Trump Said About Santa Claus". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331 . Retrieved 4 September 2023. You can visit it here to get all of the latest updates on Christmas Eve (there’s an app on Google Play, too) and it boasts a dizzying array of features and interactive games to get you into the Christmas spirit, such as: