Who Is Mother Christmas?

Department 56
Possible Dreams
Christmas Traditions
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Mother Christmas, also known as Mrs Santa Claus in the US, is Father Christmas/Santa Claus' wife. Well, at least she is the invention of American authors who refer to her in some of their writings. In the late 19th century, the poet Katherine L. Bates, portrayed Mrs Santa Claus her in a poem called "Goody Santa Claus on a Sleigh Ride" and Mother Christmas became a very popular character of the Christmas stories and legends.

Although she doesn't have the cultural nor traditional background which her supposed spouse, Father Christmas (or, in fact, Santa Claus) has and, while she doesn't bring toys, gifts or candies to wise children on Christmas night, Mother Christmas/Mrs Santa Claus has almost become as well-known as her husband.

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Mrs Santa Sweet Cookie Claus

Santa Claus or Father Christmas, originates from the famous Saint Nicholas; a character who is still celebrated in countries such as Germany, Belgium, the Netherlans and South-East France on December 6th. Simply said, St. Nicolas is always accompagnied by his donkey and Black Pete, and brings candies and toys to wise children. Black Pete is supposed to punish naughty kids; but never does in reality as he's as kind as our Jolly Old Saint Nick.

Saint Nicholas didn't have a wife and still doesn't. For whatever reason, the first one being certainly that the character doesn't necessitate to have a woman in his life - after all, he's a Saint; therefore, a religious icon.

Over centuries, Saint Nicholas became Father Christmas and, during the 19th century, Americans transformed him into Santa Claus. As soon as this happened, Mrs Santa Claus appeared in the stories.

Mrs. Claus
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While her husband seems to be a very nervous person, always occupied, running and rushing everywhere, Mrs Santa Claus appears as a quiet and serene person, a devoted housewife who helps her famous husband with his toy production, takes care of the household and the working elves and loves to cook and bake.

What do Santa Claus and Mrs Santa Claus have in common? Well, at first sight, nothing.

Are we sure about it? Let's have a look at their particularities:

Father Christmas appears as a person who is impulsive and hurried; he gives all year long; he's jolly and on a mission to care for the millions of wise and not so wise kids around the world.

Mother Christmas is a person who is patient, she thinks a lot, she saves Santa's time and takes care of his environment as well as of him.

In any way, Mother Christmas is Father Christmas' female counterpart. Just have a look at Mrs Santa Claus and you'll notice that she is oversized, like her husband, that she wears the same type of clothes (red and white) and glasses and that she also is old and has white hair. To enhance the housewife impression, she wears an apron; which confirms that she cooks and takes care of Santa's home all day long.

4" Resin Santa &
Mrs Claus Orns
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Doesn't this description feature the typical 19th century housewife? Certainly. But, although Mrs Santa Claus doesn't have children, she also represents a mother. A mother who has a good disposition, who is supportive of her husband's activities, who cares for everyone, keeps the home clean, a sweet home that has the smell of good food, a warm home where the atmosphere allows to take a break from the stress we face all day long. Mrs Santa Claus is certainly a reassuring and soothing character.

Mother Christmas appeared in some cartoons, comics and books for chidren. She was even represented in TV shows as well as movies for the cinema. Here are some of Mrs Claus moments of fame:

"Santa Claus - The Movie" made in 1985. Mrs Santa Claus is featured by Judy Cornwell and is named Anya Claus.

"The Nightmare Before Christmas" made in 1993 where Mrs Claus has a very small role.

"Mrs. Santa Claus" made in 1996. Angela Lansbury performs Mrs Claus' role. Mrs Claus wants to catch her husband's attention and takes the reindeer and sleigh for a drive outside...