The Evolving Face of Santa

A look into Smithsonian's vast archives reveals that Father Christmas tends to get a makeover with every generation that embraces him.

Santa Claus wasn’t always the jovial white-bearded bearer of gifts that we know so well today. In fact, Santa's historical roots in America trace to the 18th-century arrival of Dutch immigrants, who would gather on December 6 to honor the anniversary of Saint Nicholas’ death.  continue