What did Santa really look like?
Selfies and snapshots were definitely not part of the landscape back in the fourth century, so determining what someone who lived at that time actually looked like – even with artists’ renderings – can be problematic.
Warts-and-all was not the philosophy of artists, especially those who lived by way of proud patrons. The bias of the beholder (or patron) and the skill of a given artist often lent itself to a less-than-accurate depiction. (Henry VIII, when seeking his fifth wife, insisted Hans Holbein, famed portraitist of the 16th century, “… be as accurate as possible, not to flatter,” according to Wiki. Whether Anne of Cleves, lucky gal, had indeed been misrepresented is up for debate, but she did escape Henry who insisted, among other unflattering observations – sagging anatomy and an unpleasant odor – that the German princess hadn’t been depicted accurately.)
But what about Santa Claus, that is Saint Nicholas, who actually did live in the fourth century? Religious iconography featuring the saint has been around for centuries. Depictions of the more popular Santa Claus abound in the past and present. But how can we know that he looked anything like what is presented today?
Along with the selfies and snapshots of the 21st century, skepticism abounds in our current day. In comes forensic science. While some may doubt, the scientific analysis of evidence provided by today’s professionals, usually associated with crime scene investigation, can help us to discover the truth – not just wishful thinking.
According to Catholic Online, Liverpool, England (CNA):
Researchers at Liverpool John Moores University’s Face Lab used a facial reconstruction system and 3D interactive technology to create the portrait, which was unveiled on Dec. 6, the feast day of St. Nicholas.
University Professor Caroline Wilkinson said the reconstruction relied on “all the skeletal and historical material” available, the BBC reports. A university spokeswoman said the new image uses “the most up-to-date anatomical standards, Turkish tissue depth data and CGI techniques.”
Among the features depicted in the saint’s image is a broken nose, which Wilkinson said had “healed asymmetrically, giving him a characteristic nose and rugged facial appearance.
I don’t know about you, but I like the broken nose. Not exactly what one sees in the earlier renderings of old, Saint Nick, but endearing just the same!
Think your last week until Christmas is hectic? Try being Santa Claus!
This just in, Santa’s workshop flooded.
Elf Ernest, live from Santa’s workshop, a communique made possible by Santa Update, those dedicated folks who have been Santa tracking from the source (the North Pole) for 25 years, just released the following:
Greetings!
Another day gone, another mess in Santa’s workshop. Elf Bernard is beside himself.
Despite security patrols outside the building someone was able to hook a hose up to a fire hydrant to put it in a window at Santa’s workshop.The hose didn’t run long but a fire hose can put out a lot of water – and there was quite a mess in the resulting flood to Santa’s Workshop.
The Merry Prankster has just gone too far and I think they are on to him. I see helicopters flying everywhere here this morning and more patrols of police on the streets than I’ve ever seen before.
— Elf Ernest
Santa’s Vice President of Public Relations
And yet, despite the hectic pace, Santa’s elves keep it coming, not only with informative briefings but by way of Kringle Radio:
The live radio broadcast from the North Pole begins 12/23 at Midnight in Hawaii
1:00 am San Francisco/Los Angeles
5:00 am New York/Washington/Miami
8:00 am Rio
10:00 am London/Lisbon/Reykjavik
1:00 pm Moscow/Baghdad/Riyadh
5:00 pm Bangkok/Taipei
6:00 pm Beijing/Singapore/Perth
9:00 pm Sydney/Melbourne/Port Vila
11:00 pm Christchurch/Wellington/Suva
Santa’s favorite snacks
Check out some of Santa’s favorites – appetizers and sweets – courtesy of Mrs. Claus and the North Pole Times:
- Chili meaballs
Here’s a great treat for that holiday party. - Arctic shrimp
A tasty shrimp recipe direct from the Arctic. - Deviled clams
A great treat for your holiday get together from the kitchen of Grandma Tietge! - Elf bites
Your holiday party is just not complete without them! - Apple yum yum
How about this apple treat? Mmmmmmmmm … yum, yum! - Corn pudding
Direct from the kitchen of Gramma Davis. - Dark fudge
Here’s a recipe from our very own Ali Elf. This is sure to please. - Elf cookies
Try these cookies on the sweet-tooth in the family. Our Elves love ’em… yours will too! - Fruit balls
Here’s a fruity treat that is sure to please! - Holiday wreaths
Another festive treat from Ali Elf! You’ve got to try it. - Nut butterballs
How about this nutty treat for your holiday party - Peanut butter blossoms
You’re going to love these little treats, direct from Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen at the North Pole! - Tiny Tim’s holiday pudding
Now is the time to prepare your Christmas puddings. This is a traditional English recipe. - Quick holiday pie
Everyone loves pie around the holidays, here’s one we’re sure you’ll love too. - Santa’s crinkles
Yet another tasty treat from Ali Elf. Be careful though, you’ll probably want to eat a lot of these. - Santa’s favorite cookies
Here they are! Santa’s favorite cookies. Tried and tested on Santa himself. Leave a couple of these out Christmas Eve to make Santa REAL happy! - Snow balls
Here’s another favorite of the Elves. We think you will enjoy them too. - Sugar cookies
Toss a plate of these on the table and watch them disappear right before your very eyes. - Snowman surprise
Here’s a fun treat that all the Elves like to make for dessert. - Grandma K’s molasses cookies
There’s nothing like a nice molasses cookie and a glass of milk during the holidays. - Snickerdoodle cookies
These are a favorite of stable elves; the elves who take care of Santa’s reindeer. - White chocolate chip macadamia cookies
Here’s a cookie recipe you’ll go “Nuts” over.
Christmas of yesteryear as compared to today. What would Santa think?
If visions of sugar plums, midnight church services and looking for glimpses of Santa’s sleigh are among your memories, you’re not alone. Take a peek at the following video short for a pleasant reminder of yesteryear:
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Today’s offerings, while striking a humorous cord, aren’t so funny as increasing numbers of today’s youth (and those not so young) exhibit the sentiments of this couple shopping for a Christmas tree:
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Maybe the grand old tradition of receiving coal in one’s stocking as reward for bad behavior is a practice worth resurrecting. With the anticipated gift of coal miners going back to work, I imagine there are any number of hardworking men and women who’d be happy to supply the requisite lumps for those who need to remember what Christmas is all about!
