Santa Claus: The Evolution of a Childhood Legend

St Nicholas of Myra

Ah, it’s that time of year again; the time to take the kids to the overly crowded, local shopping mall to sit them on the lap of a certain jolly, red-suited, old man. Upon doing so, they’ll either burst into terrified screams or happily confess their heart’s desire in hopes of finding it under the Christmas tree on the morning of December 25th. Despite this being a long time tradition worldwide, the question remains for many: who is this mysterious man, and how did he come to be the magical childhood legend he is today?

Kenny & Dolly’s “Once Upon A Christmas”: The Greatest Gift of All!!

I used to think it was something to be terribly ashamed of; I thought that admitting my favorite-ever Christmas album would be globally reviled as the ultimate sign of being a redneck. In place of the truth I would pick a super safe bet like Mariah Carey’s “Merry Christmas” to which everyone (of course) would simply agree because Mariah’s was one of very VERY few holiday albums in the last 20 years to produce a true, original holiday classic. Over time I have come to realize that my favorite Christmas album of all time is shared by many and I’m no longer afraid to admit it so today, on Christmas Eve 2011, I share it with all of you: my fellow disciples of the Church of Pop.