St. Nick gains on Santa Claus

BERLIN—Santa beware! Activists in Germany waging an international campaign to do away with old Father Christmas say they are gaining ground—thanks to the global economic meltdown. Armed with child-friendly stickers, web-savvy promoters and chocolate figurines, the “Santa-Free Zone” movement says it is gathering steam this year against what it calls the hollow commercialization of Christmas.…

The First Image of Santa Claus

The first illustration appeared in the January 3, 1863 edition of Harper’s Weekly, and shows Santa Claus visiting a Civil War Camp. In the background of the illustration, a sign can be seen that reads “Welcome Santa Claus.” The illustration shows Santa handing out gifts to children and soldiers. One soldier receives a new pair of socks, which would no doubt be one of the most wonderful things a soldier of the time could receive.