The True Saint Nicholas: Why He Matters To Christmas (2009) - Plot & Excerpts
It was interesting to hear the history and traditions surrounding good ol' St Nick and it is something how many legends formed around this man during the medieval period. The last half of the book concerned the many traditions of gift givers throughout Europe, the raucous winter solstice and the reaction against the saints by the Protestants. Later on how a Poem, a Cartoon artist and Coca-Cola Advertizements played a role in American traditions and also about the melding of Father Christmas, Kris Kringle, St. Nicholas and Santa Clause in the US. All of this was rather complex, and thus a bit hard to follow and Bennett quickly covered it. This was a quick interesting read expounding on some of the myths and legends of Saint Nicholas and how he evolved into the American Santa Claus. One new thing I learned was that the German Christkindel (Christ child) who delivers gifts on Christmas was Americanized to Kriss Kringel with immigrants and then eventually merged together with Santa as well. The history and morphing of Santa is just interesting to me. Good read.
What do You think about The True Saint Nicholas: Why He Matters To Christmas (2009)?
Interesting, but not his best work. Do not recommend.
—Lizzy