Halloween is not the only holiday that is rife with costumes and characters. Christmas also has its famous and dearly loved personalities borne from fiction and reality. These are the characters whose stories and presence herald the holiday season and invoke warm memories of childhood and innocence. They make up our Christmas stories, decorations and even strike poses on some of our Christmas gifts and cards. In a nutshell, they are distinct symbols of the holiday season, and everywhere they are seen or mentioned, one automatically thinks of Christmas.
Why these personalities?
The stories of these characters were created and passed down from generation to generation with the primary purpose of teaching valuable lessons like giving, gratitude, love and appreciation. While some originate from the Holy Bible, some come from folklore, and others yet were created by witty authors like Dr.Seuss, Charles Dickens and Tim Burton.
Santa Claus
This singularly most recognised and beloved Christmas personality goes by many names. Father Christmas, Kris Kringle, Saint Nicholas, old saint nick or Santa all refer to the same tall white-bearded, chubby, pot belied grandpa in a red ensemble complete with snow cap who navigates the world on his sleigh led by reindeer to deliver gifts to the children of the world on the night before Christmas. It is tradition, particularly in the western parts of the world, for children to write down their wish list and post it to the North Pole where Santa Claus resides with Mrs Claus and the elves. If the children have been good that year, Santa will come to their houses on Christmas eve and leave them a present under the Christmas tree. Sometimes, the children even leave him warm milk and cookies to refresh himself before leaving for the next delivery. It is a very fun take on a mythical personality that provides young children with a sense of magic and wonder.
Christmas elves
The elves are mysterious creatures that live with Santa Claus in the North Pole and help him in making the gifts that he delivers to the children of the world on the eve of Christmas. They do everything from making toys in the workshop to taking care of Santa’s needs, caring for the reindeer, ensuring every child’s letter to Santa is read, and their gifts are addressed correctly. As important as Santa Claus is, it is generally agreed that there can be no Christmas without the elves. For kids, the idea of elves is so magical and ethereal. For adults, it is simply another wonderful character from folklore that breathes the spirit of Christmas into the atmosphere. Elf memorabilia is a favourite around Christmas time with major discount retailers like The works carrying elf gifts from different brands and merchandise. From elf water bottles to elf sleeping bags and pyjamas, there are a variety of elfin items to gift any age.
Rudolph the Red-nosed reindeer
Another fictional Christmas character created by Robert L. May is the famous reindeer in the catchy Christmas song that leads Santa’s sleigh one stormy Christmas eve. The story has it that it was such a dark and stormy night that Santa couldn’t see where he was going, so he asked this tiny little reindeer who was often teased by others for his size and Red shiny nose, to lead the way and light their path. The lesson being that no matter one’s limitations, they can always be relevant.
Frosty the snowman
Yet another Christmas persona loved by all is frosty the snowman. His character was created and composed into a song by Walter Rollins and tells of a snowman that came to life when a magical hat was placed on his head. He brought love and delight to all the children around but unfortunately melted away when the sun rose. It is a bittersweet story, but frosty assures the children he will be back again. It is particularly reminiscent when making snowmen in the snow.
Conclusion
There is a horde of other wonderful Christmas characters that are part and parcel of the Christmas and holiday traditions. The Grinch, Dr Scrooge, The Three Wise Men, Jack Skellington, the list is seemingly endless. The point is all these personalities exist to teach one valuable lesson or the other while bringing a sense of magic and wonder to the most wonderful time of the year.