The Terror Men
The frightening and unkempt but human gift-givers who traveled alone emerged in northern Europe following the Reformation because the Protestants would not include a Catholic saint in their gift-giving exercises.
Santeclaus in sleigh by Arthur Stansbury, The Children’s Friend, 1821
Arthur Stansbury created the most influential depiction of Santa that no one ever saw
Canadian Santa without beard: Canadian Illustrated News, cover, December 1885
One of the few versions of Santa that does not have a beard
Santa Claus by George Beard, 1872
A well-intentioned effort by artist George Beard in 1872
Santa in tutu: Harper’s Weekly, cover, January 2, 1869
Santa Claus wearing what appears to be a long, wild beard modeled after the pagan god Odin
Santa With Turkey: Harper’s Weekly, cover, December 25, 1858
One of stranger depictions of Santa Claus, a beardless man riding a sleigh pulled by a wild turkey
Old Father Christmas 1867
Old Father Christmas: Godey’s Lady’s Book, December 1867
Father Christmas 1847
Father Christmas by Kenny Meadows, Illustrated London News, December 25, 1847
Father Christmas with Yule Log 1844
Father Christmas with Yule Log