It may seem difficult to believe today, but there was a time when the people of America had no idea what Santa Clause looked like.  In fact, it wasn't until 1863 that an acceptable sketch of the great man was published.

Thomas Nast, a New York newspaper artist, penned the first drawings of Santa Claus ever to win public approval.  Because he did, Nast a German native, became known as "Santa Claus' father."

In 1823, the poem "A Visit From St. Nicholas" was published.  Everybody loved the poem, but no one knew exactly what Santa looked like, despite the vivid poetic word picture of the rolly-poly one.  Santa was described as "a right jolly old elf."  He was "chubby and plump", and when he laughed he shook "like a bowl full of jelly."  Also "his cheeks were like roses" and "his nose like a cherry."  In addition, his beard "was as white as snow," he had dimples, a broad face, smoked a pipe and had twinkling eyes.

With such a splendid description, it seems incredible that artists of the day were unable to draw an accurate sketch of the great man.  Such was the case!  In fact, for four decades, various artists tried to capture his image on their sketch pads without success.  Most of the time, Kris Kringle come out looking like "a dried up skinny little fellow" or "a tubby little dwarf."

Then in 1863, Nast, who was only twenty-three at the time, drew his Santa for a national publication.  Actually, he made two sketches.  President Lincoln was fond of one showing Santa visiting Union soldiers in camp.

The original Santa sketches did not satisfy Nast.  Sons and daughters, and mothers and fathers loved them.  But the artist was a perfectionist.  He produced a new Santa sketch every Christmas.  Each year, Santa was slightly different because Nast kept trying to come up with a more magnificent St. Nick.  By 1890, when he turned out his final Santa drawing, Nast was a famous artist.  His final Santa Claus was the jolly, hearty old soul that the world loves today.
---by Richard O'Donnell