Santa Claus
When is St. Nicholas Day? And how did this Christian saint inspire the Santa Claus legend?
By Luis Andres Henao — December 6, 2023
NEW YORK (AP) — The legends surrounding jolly old St. Nicholas — celebrated annually on Dec. 6 — go way beyond delivering candy and toys to children.
Some Americans want less Mariah Carey for Christmas
By Bob Smietana — December 22, 2022
(RNS) — A survey from the global marketing firm Ipsos found many Americans think the meaning of the season is lost.
Japan’s Laughing Buddha Hotei is merging into Santa Claus — both are roly-poly sacred figures with a bag of gifts
By Megan Bryson — December 14, 2022
(The Conversation) — Hotei, a Japanese god who carries a large sack, has come to be identified with Santa Claus – except that he brings the goodies on New Year’s Day instead of Christmas.
Yes, Donald, there is a Santa Claus
By Jeffrey Salkin — December 26, 2018
We live in a culture of "bah, humbug!" It's sad, actually.
Lay off my God already!
By Jeffrey Salkin — December 21, 2018
The New Yorker published an anti-Judaism cartoon. For shame.
Have yourself a boozy little Christmas
By Menachem Wecker — December 20, 2018
(RNS) — The connection between Christmas and liquor has been institutionalized of late in 'carols and cocktails' events that, while concerning to some, are deeply consistent with the holiday’s history.
Technology, tradition and the invention of Christmas in 19th-century New York
By S. Brent Rodriguez-Plate — December 7, 2018
(RNS) — Christmas became a legally recognized holiday in many states only in the mid-19th century. But by then New York City had already given birth to the traditions we know today.
Why isn’t there a ‘War on Easter’ like Christmas?
By Jonathan Merritt — March 28, 2018
Despite their many similarities, Easter has avoided the controversy that stalks Christmas. Here's why.
Everything you didn’t know about Christmas
By Emily McFarlan Miller — December 14, 2017
(RNS) — 'Anything you think you know about Christmas is wrong,' according to Judith Flanders. The historian is aiming to dispel some of those myths and misunderstandings in her new book, 'Christmas: A Biography.'
COMMENTARY: Is religion good for kids?
By Eliyahu Federman — July 25, 2014
(RNS) Imaginative religious stories such as creation, Noah, the Exodus, or Santa Claus, may actually benefit cognitive development, creative thinking and social skills.
Christmas in America: Belief in the Virgin birth and visits from Santa
By Cathy Lynn Grossman — December 18, 2013
(RNS) Most Americans believe Jesus was born of a virgin, and nearly one in three also pretend Santa will visit their house on Christmas Eve, according to a new survey of Christmas season beliefs and activities.
COMMENTARY: Sorry, Megyn: Santa is an American adaptation
By Jeffrey Weiss — December 13, 2013
(RNS) The image of Santa is anything but eternal. And it’s been revised any number of times.
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