"FATHER CHRISTMAS."

Taranaki Daily News, 18 December 1920, Page 7 (Supplement)

"FATHER CHRISTMAS."

It has been observed that Santa Clans is especially the patron of children, and this part at least of the present giving habit shows no sign of diminution, much to the joy of the [younger generation. The secretive manner "Father Christmas" of thrusting his gifts into stockings, and cuming unseen down the chimney is quite in keeping with his secret method of providing a dower for, the three poor maidens. Possibly this identification of St. Nicholas with "Father Christmas" originated in Scandinavia when the northern peoples were converted to Christianity, for Odin used to bestow gifts to all who approached his holy fir tree at Vuletide. The custom was'too pleasant to lose, and was naturally associated in the new faith with a popular saint who already had a reputation for secret generosity. The sending of Christmas cards Js comparatively a modem innovation, the first of these cards only dating back about seventy years, ft'was not, however, until 1562 that the custom became at all popular. The card of that date was simply an ordinary visiting card inscribed "A Merry Christmas" or "A Happy New Year"; hut bv ISiiS robins and hoilv. embossed figures and landscapes, were 'introduced,, and the Christinas card as we know it was an established fact. Though not so popular now as some few years ago, when the custom of exchanging cards almost became a nuisance, the Christmas card still maintains a certain popularity as an inexpensive and convenient way of sending seasonable remembrances. ' No doubt it has its disadvantages—choking the mail-bags to the detriment of genuine correspondence, and often taking the place, in a most unworthy manner, of an anticipated Christmas gift.

Most other Christinas customs and institutions are pre-Christian survivals. The, Christmas tree appears to have some connection with Ygdrnsll, the world ash tree of Scandinavia; holly and mistletoe to the Druids; while Christmas decoration with green foliage is of almost immemorial antiquity.