7 Unknown Facts About Santa Claus 

Dec 20, 2023, 20:24 IST

Manas Joshi

Ho, Ho, Ho!

Christmas is just around the corner and who better to symbolise Christmas than Santa Claus? Here are 7 facts about the genial and iconic old man.

Yes, Santa Claus Was Real! 

Well fine, he didn’t have a flying sleigh pulled by reindeers but idea of Santa Claus is based on St Nicholas from third century AD, who truly brought gifts for children. 

Santa Claus Has Been Around For Only 200 Years 

It’s true that Saint Nicholas lived much before that. The words ‘Santa Claus’ flashed for the first time in a late 18th-century New York newspaper.

Santa Claus Has An Official Pilot’s License 

The US government officially issued a pilot’s license for Santa Claus in 1927.

Santa Claus Did Not Always Wear Red

It is said that the now-famous red attire of Santa Claus is a result of a popular marketing campaign in the 1930s.

Santa Claus Was A Bachelor Till Late 1800s

The idea of Mrs Claus was introduced in James Rees’ short story ‘The Christmas Legend’ in mid-nineteenth century.

Santa Claus and Mrs Claus Have Official Canadian Passports

Canada issued official passports for the happy couple in 2013.

Santa Claus’ Now-Iconic Look Was Created By A Political Cartoonist

Thomas Nast, a political cartoonist, drew Santa as a genial old man with a full white beard.

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