F is for Father Christmas
Father Christmas is known by many names today, Father Christmas, Pere Noel, Santa Claus, St Nicholas.
There are many origins to the Father Christmas we know today. St Nicholas originally came from Turkey. The legend tells us that there was a man who could not afford dowries for his three daughters, so St Nicholas gave them three bags of gold one night, just before Christmas.
Father Christmas in England finds his roots in 15th Century, when he was called Sir Christmas. He was not originally a bearer of gifts. He became popular with the Victorians, they made Christmas what it is today, and he even featured in Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol.
His big belly, red coat, trimmed with white fur and black boots probably comes from the United States where he was given the name Santa Claus.
The animated film, Father Christmas, is based on the books by Raymond Briggs. Father Christmas is a big man, with a large belly, long white heard, red suit and black boots. The story shows his grumpy side as he has to deal with all the chores in his little house and dreams about a seasonal holiday in France.
The Snowman makes a brief appearance as well. Ah such a beautiful film. I shall have to embed a copy in a later post.
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