~The old man with the sack~'Father Christmas' (or 'Santa Claus') has become the human face of Christmas. Pictures will be seen everywhere of the old man with long white beard, red coat, and bag of toys. Children are taught that he brings them presents the night before Christmas (or in some countries on December 6th - St. Nicholas' Day), and many children up to the age of 7 or 8 really believe this is true. In most countries, it is said that he lives near the North Pole, and arrives through the sky on a sledge (snow-cart) pulled by reindeer. He comes into houses down the chimney at midnight and places presents for the children in socks or bags by their beds or in front of the family Christmas tree.
Christmas is for joy, for giving and sharing, for laughter, for coming together with family and friends, for tinsel and brightly decorated packages... But mostly, Christmas is for love. It was this love for which Jesus came to this world and sacrificed his life. Everyone knows Rudolf. He is Santa's leading reindeer on account of his red nose that lights Santa's way through the winter night sky every Christmas Eve.However, there is no mention of Rudolf in Clement Clarke Moore's classic poem ''Twas the Night Before Christmas (Also known as 'A Visit From St Nicholas')written in 1822. More clearly names all of Santa's reindeer."Now Dasher! Now Dancer! Now Prancer and Vixen!
On Comet! On Cupid! On Donner and Blitzen!"But Moore doesn't make any reference to Rudolf. Rudolf is a later addition tot he festive season. The famous Christmas song 'Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer' was written by Robert L. May originally created as an advertising strategy for the Montgomery Ward Department Store in 1939.The song depicts the heart-warming tale of the disfigured reindeer. Rudolf has the obvious deformity of a bright red nose. Because of his nose he is ridiculed and cast out from reindeer society."All of the other reindeer,
Used to laugh and call him names,
And they wouldn't let poor Rudolf,
Join in any reindeer games."However, Rudolf's luck changes when Santa sees Rudolf's affliction as an asset and asks Rudolf - "Won't you guide my sleigh tonight?This simple but touching story line won the hearts of millions, so much so that Rudolf was added to the festive season as a special companion of Santa.
Gone are those days when all members in the family, especially kids, used to sit near the fireplace and eagerly listen to their granny’s stories of Christmas with wide-opened eyes and curious faces.
The tradition of hanging stockings is said to have its roots in the 16th century Dutch tradition, where children in Holland used to leave their clogs by the fireplace filled with straw for the reindeers or donkeys of the Saint and a treat for Santa himself in the house. In return, the Santa Claus used to leave treats for children.
