Different people with different backgrounds usually have their own symbol for Christmas. It cannot be denied, however, that Father Christmas (St. Nicholas or Santa Claus to others) is one of the strongest symbols related to this holiday. Though some may not really hold the idea in high esteem, it remains a fact that Father Christmas is known wherever you go.
In Britain, it is no different. Religion or race does not come into play – everyone simply knows about Father Christmas. How is Father Christmas different from Santa Claus or St. Nicholas? Not by much, really.
Father Christmas could be described as a jolly old man – white hair and beard and mustache and all. He wears the signature red suit that we all recognize and he lives in the North Pole with his elves who make the Christmas gifts that he distributes to good girls and boys on Christmas Eve.
If you didn’t know this before, Father Christmas’s suit was actually not always red. Pictures – or drawings, rather – of Father Christmas in the late 1800s actually showed him in green garb. It was not till the early to mid 1900s that he “changed” his color of choice to red – thanks to Coca Cola.
In Britain, Father Christmas became part of tradition during the midwinter festival of the Old English. His green garb was a symbolism for the coming of spring. Another different thing about the original Father Christmas is that he was not really the bringer of Christmas gifts. Instead, he merely went around from house to house feasting and celebrating with the people.
Indeed, some things may change but some things don’t.