For some, it’s Christmastime year-round. The joy and feeling of wonder that the holiday brings to the masses can be felt around the clock in many. The story of Santa Claus remains as powerful as ever, but few know many truths about Santa Claus himself. The man, the legend, is a complete mystery to many. Let’s change that. Here are a few fun facts about Santa Claus that the whole family can enjoy.
Fun Facts for Kids
Many children still believe in the magic surrounding Santa Claus and his reindeer. It is this belief that keeps him alive and well.
- Santa Claus was born in 270 AD. He is over 1,000 years old. The belief that many children hold to this day keep the magic of Christmas and Santa Claus alive and going strong.
- Santa Claus actually has nearly two full days to deliver presents, not a single night. In one part of the world, it is daytime. In the other, it is nighttime. He delivers presents during the night in both parts, giving him more time to succeed.
- Santa Claus will visit over 90 million homes on Christmas Eve.
- Santa has eight reindeer: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, and Blitzen.
- Rudolph was added to Santa’s reindeer team during a severe snowstorm one Christmas Eve.
The Lore Behind Santa Claus
For some, Santa Claus is a fantastical story filled with myth and lore.
- Folklore turned Santa Claus into the toy-giving hero he is today. In reality, Santa Claus is based on St. Nicholas, the Bishop of Myra, who was born in 270 AD. He earned a reputation for giving random gifts to those around him.
- In 1809, Washington Irving’s A History of New York recharacterized Santa Claus from the “lanky bishop” he once was into the bearded man we know today. It was during this story that Santa first climbed down a chimney to deliver presents.
- Coca-Cola created our modern version of Santa Claus. Artist Haddon Sundblom illustrated him for a worldwide campaign for the soda company.
There you have it! Fun facts about Santa Claus and the lore surrounding the legend. Now, bring the story into your own home by scheduling a real bearded Santa Claus with Hire Santa!
