Santa Claus: A Biography

Dec. 12, 2005 – Santa visits millions, but what do we really know about the guy? Gerry Bowler, author of the new “Santa Claus: A Biography,” talked to Elise Soukup about the jolly old fellow.

NEWSWEEK: When was Santa “born”?
Gerry Bowler: Santa Claus—by that name, wearing the clothes he wears and with reindeer—first shows up in 1821 in New York with the poem “The Children’s Friend.”

So he wasn’t invented by Coke?
No, but after seeing the Coke ads you can’t think of Santa looking any other way.

Santa has hawked all sorts of things. He had some vices.
There’s hardly a vice he didn’t indulge! Cigarettes, of course, and alcohol. I’ve heard it said that Santa will sell beer, but not the hard stuff. Hardy-har—I found lots of Santa Scotch ads.

He’s also hit the big screen. What’s the worst Santa movie?
For badness so bad that it is good, it is “Santa Claus Conquers the Martians.” That’s really a genuine turkey.

You conclude the book by saying Santa is “necessary.” Why?
He represents an intergenerational act of love. For years, when children are at their sweetest and most grateful, parents give credit to Santa Claus. It’s remarkable.

Does Santa exist?
Of course he does. Who else eats the cookies?

© 2005 Newsweek, Inc.

61 comments December 18th, 2005

Sunday School?

A Sunday School teacher of pre-schoolers was concerned that his students might be a little confused about Jesus Christ because of the Christmas season emphasis on His birth. He wanted to make sure they understood that the birth of Jesus occurred a long time ago, that He grew up, etc. So he asked his class, “Where is Jesus today ?”

Johnny raised his hand and said, “He’s in heaven.” Mary was called on and answered, “He’s in my heart.” and Robert, waving his hand furiously, blurted out, “I know! I know! He’s in our bathroom!!!”

The whole class got very quiet, looked at the teacher, and waited for a response.
The teacher was completely at a loss for a few very long seconds. He finally gathered his wits and asked Robert how he knew this. and Robert said, “Well…..every morning my father gets up, bangs on the bathroom door, and yells ‘Jesus Christ, are you still in there?’!”

49 comments December 18th, 2005