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Santa Claus and science fiction don’t typically go together, but the 2011 animated film Arthur Christmas proves they probably should—if you want to keep the Santa Claus legend up to date, that is. Arthur Christmas draws from Mission Impossible, The Incredibles, Apollo 13, Dr. Strangelove, and Star Trek as much as it does from Miracle on 34th Street or any other Christmas movie which calls into question the existence of Santa—and, by extension, the spirit of Christmas itself. (more…)
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An interesting incident occurred in Sicily recently: A Roman Catholic bishop was accused of telling a group of schoolchildren Santa Claus does not exist. The Church has since apologized for these remarks, explaining to outraged parents that the cleric’s intention was direct children away from the consumerism of contemporary Christmas celebrations and towards veneration of the historic Saint Nicholas. This incident provides an opportunity to reflect on the figure of Santa Claus, how he emerged in Northern European and Anglo-American history, and his role in contemporary Christmas festivities. (more…)