December 25th has been choosen to celebrate the birth of christ. I was just wondering, what does a man (father christmas) in red clothes and white beards have to do with the birth of christ. There was no father christmas during when Jesus was born. So what is the significance of father christmas?

Any ideas?

It is just one of several man made traditions carried out to celebrate a festivity


Santa Claus, also known as Saint Nicholas, Father Christmas, Kris Kringle, or simply "Santa", is the figure who, in most of Western cultures, is described as bringing gifts on Christmas Eve, December 24[1] or on his Feast Day, December 6.[2] The legend may have part of its basis in hagiographical tales concerning the historical figure of Saint Nicholas.

The modern depiction of Santa Claus as a fat, jolly man (or gnome) wearing a red coat and trousers with white cuffs and collar, and black leather belt and boots, became popular in the United States in the 19th century due to the significant influence of caricaturist and political cartoonist Thomas Nast.[3] This image has been maintained and reinforced through song, radio, television, and films. In the United Kingdom and Europe, his depiction is often identical to the American Santa, but he is commonly called Father Christmas.

One legend associated with Santa says that he lives in the far north, in a land of perpetual snow. The American version of Santa Claus lives at the North Pole, while Father Christmas is said to reside in Lapland. Other details include: that he is married and lives with Mrs. Claus; that he makes a list of children throughout the world, categorizing them according to their behavior; that he delivers presents, including toys, candy, and other presents to all of the good boys and girls in the world, and sometimes coal or sticks to the naughty children, in one night; and that he accomplishes this feat with the aid of magical elves who make the toys, and eight or nine flying reindeer who pull his sleigh.[4][5]

There has long been opposition to teaching children to believe in Santa Claus. Some Christians say the Santa tradition detracts from the religious origins and purpose of Christmas. Other critics feel that Santa Claus is an elaborate lie, and that it is unethical for parents to teach their children to believe in his existence.[6] Still others oppose Santa Claus as a symbol of the commercialization of the Christmas holiday, or as an intrusion upon their own national traditions.[7]

source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Claus

KunleOshob,

Thanks for your posts,

ugborikoko:

KunleOshob,

Thanks for your posts,

My pleasure, i just read that you are baptist i am one as well. Where do you worship?

What is the significance of Father Christmas?

Answer: Shopping

@kunleOshob

worship at Ikoyi, IBC.

ugborikoko:

@kunleOshob

worship at Ikoyi, IBC.

Oh my God! So did I, as a youth.

ugborikoko:

@kunleOshob

worship at Ikoyi, IBC.

My brother worships there as well, i am sure you would know him as he is a worker there though i am not sure of the department he is in

What is the significance of Father Christmas?

Answer: Shopping

Exactly. But really St. Nick was a real person who gave kids presents back in the day and then it just caught on and now they just carry it on and now some people don't understand Christmas anymore.

Anyway, sha I want my present so Father Christmas better bring me mine o.

mostly money.

i think in nigeria, the idea of santa should be customized when used.

for example, other colours besides red and white, can apply [unless the concept is trademarked], and it seems the original santa was actually dressed in green and white, strangely enough.



[img]http://3.bp..com/-FIhhYlmwXy4/TuD8KDkERiI/AAAAAAAACxQ/j4ZnslVP0dM/s400/BB1247%2BSanta.jpg[/img]

[img]http://www.santa.cc/2013/cf/blue-flannel-60-7585.jpg[/img]

other colours

victorian santa

vintage santas




http://www.etsy.com/listing/114109222/rare-antique-postcard-santa-in-a-brown