The Legends of Sinter Klass, St. Nicholas and Belsnickle
One popular legend tells of the Dutch Sinter Klass who arrived on horseback bearing gifts each Eve of St. Nicholas. The lore surrounding this winter-clad figure first made its way across the pond with the settlers of New England in the 1700s.
When looking back at history, however, it’s important to remember the tale surrounding the persona of St. Nicholas as well. The true Nicholas was a fourth century Greek Orthodox bishop. As the story goes, the Bishop Nicholas rose to sainthood after stealthily delivering a gift of gold to three destitute girls through a window one mid-winter night.
German immigrants told another tale of Santa. Christ Kindl, the Christ Child’s gift-bearing messenger, is often depicted with a gruff-looking Santa figure known as Belsnickle. Christ Kindl, mispronounced so often that the words eventually transformed into “Kris Kringle,” was illustrated as an angelic child bearing baskets of fruit or other gifts. In a number of Victorian-era illustrations a contrary Belsnickle pulls the gleeful Christ Kindl on a sled. Perhaps Belsnickle’s laborious tasks contributed to his stern demeanor.
Santa Transforms into a Jolly Fellow
No history of Santa Claus would be complete without remembering "A Visit from Saint Nicholas" published in 1823. With this legendary tale our contemporary Santa Claus began to form. This beloved poem by Clement Clark Moore, now widely known as "The Night Before Christmas," created a winking, nodding elflike Santa who can magically move up and down a chimney and charge a reindeer powered sleigh.
In the late 1800s, illustrations by Thomas Nast in Harper's magazine expanded the lore by associating Santa with a North Pole workshop and his famed naughty or nice list. Then, in the 1930s, a well-known advertising campaign added even more to changes to St. Nick's appearance.
Swedish artist Haddon Sundblom drew a rotund Santa wearing a red suit and cap along with the easily recognizable thick black belt and boots. He added rosy cheeks and luminous eyes to complete the picture. Sound familiar?
Yep, the Santa known and love today first came to life through a Coca-Cola advertisement designed to appeal to the entire family. Other products adopted their own illustrations of the holly jolly fellow and spread the image throughout the nation.
Santa’s Likeness in Antiques and Collectibles
Of course, the charm of Santa Claus was bound to lead to some collecting along the way. Whether new or old, those who seek figures and paper goods depicting the bearded old elf don't limit themselves to the contemporary look or American made items.
Some of the most popular Santa collectibles were made in Germany around the turn of the 20th century. Many candy containers and standing figures are referred to as Father Christmas or belsnickle a word of old world origin as noted above. Formed of papier-mâché and decorated with felt, faux fur and detailed trimming, these antique decorations truly reflect the olden image of Kris Kringle.
The items produced for the American market after the 1930s tend to reflect our modern notion of Santa. Vintage St. Nick decorations dating from the '30s, '40s and '50s were crafted from a variety of materials including celluloid and metal. Mechanical wind-up toys made during these decades are great finds today. Even ceramic and stuffed Santas made during the '60s find loving homes with collectors.
The paper goods, or ephemera, that go along with a Santa collection can be just as interesting. Collectors look for old books, games and postcards from all generations to add to their holiday stash. These can range in value from several dollars to several hundred depending on the rarity of the item. Early lithographed game boxes and cards are highly sought today.
And what about those old Coca-Cola ads where Santa got his most recent personality? They're quite popular these days, too, with many collectors specializing in impressive collections of these advertisements.
Collecting Newer Santa Items and Reproductions
A few newer Santa additions can find a place in a well-balanced collection too. Today's occupational themed Santas and nostalgic figurines will likely be sought by a future generation of collectors. Who knows, even those comical dancing Santa dolls might be collectible one day. Although most things made to be collectible don't rise in value as much as the older counterparts that were more disposable, it's still fun to own them.
And newer items made to look like old German collectibles can also be affordable alternative to early 1900s articles. These are technically reproductions, but they aren’t being made with the intention to deceive collectors. They are often found alongside upscale holiday giftware in retail stores rather than stuck in a flea market booth where antiques are sold. However, these look so much like older collectibles that it’s wise to take care before spending several hundred dollars on what you believe to be an old piece.
Displaying a Santa Collection
Consider gathering all your Santa Claus items together this Christmas for a holiday reunion. Like items often make a more impressive statement when grouped together rather than scattered about a room.
Keep in mind that grouping items in collections of three or five is good for balance and eye appeal. And if you’re displaying Santa figures on a mantel, try to vary the height of the pieces with the largest in the middle rather than having a number of figures the same size.
With a little effort in arranging your decorative antique and collectible Santa Claus figures, you might be surprised to find you already have a fine collection on your hands that's a fitting tribute to jolly St. Nick!
