Tuesday, December 21, 2010

How Big is Santa? Shocking Images Revealed

Once upon a time, Santa was a wee little guy who couldn’t even look the most petite women in the eye.  He could fit in a stocking, and could barely reach the fireplace mantle.  The towering volunteer Santas showing up on our fire engines, and the giants that are employed as Old St. Nick in our local malls have broken with tradition – Santa is an elf, people.

It’s well known that many of our Christmas traditions having to do with Santa were invented by Clement C. Moore whose poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” (a.k.a. “The Night Before Christmas) dictated many of our current rituals.  Thomas Nast was an illustrator in the late 1800’s who came to fame by drawing political cartoons – in fact, he is also responsible for creating the image associated with Uncle Sam.  Nast played the greatest role in creating the image of Santa that we recognize today.

Nast’s employer, Harpers Magazine, asked him to compile his collection of Christmas drawings, and it’s here that the truth is exposed:

Just doing my part to set the record straight.  

And now….

BREAKFAST FOR A TIRED MOTHER

You may do this all by yourself—and surprise Mother. 
First get out the tray.  Then a plate.  You’ll need cup and saucer, knife, fork and spoon.  Don’t forget the salt and pepper.  Does Mother use cream and sugar?  Oh, yes, -- a napkin.

Decorate it with a sprig of evergreen.  Maybe a small tree ornament?  Whatever you think will make it pretty for Mother. 

NOW
Does she like juice?   Orane, tomato, grapefruit, tangerine, prune, apple – what do you have on hand?  Cranberry juice mixed with pineapple jusice tasts good and it looks gay and Christmasy. 
Put water on to boil for tea or instant coffee.

SCRAMBLED EGGSACTLY
Eggs must be scrabmled eggsactly to taste good.  Break 2 eggs into bowl.  Beat with fork.  Add 2 tablespoons rich cream.  Beat again.  Melt 1 tablespoon butter in frying pan.  Pour in eggs.  Stir over low heat.  Do they look thick?  They’re done. 

 From A Child's Christmas Cookbook with recipes by Betty Chancellor, Illustrations by Thomas Nast.



10 comments:

Bangchik and Kakdah said...

Santa is as big as imagined by kids.... Merry Christmas.

Joanne said...

It's interesting how the visual of Santa has changed over time. I'd never heard that he was tiny enough to fit in a stocking! But I kind of prefer today's jolly version, the Santa in the stocking on your post looks a little crabby :/

Ho! Ho! Ho! :)

meemsnyc said...

I had no idea Santa was an elf! I like that better than a big jolly fat guy. Seriously, how would a fat guy fit through a chimney anyway!

tina said...

Yum on the eggzactly scrambled eggs. Those drawings are most funny. You have a great holiday season Jen!

Veggie PAK said...

I've never tried cream in scrambled eggs, but you make it sound so good!

Donna said...

love Santa and the old images...when I taught elementary school it was fun exploring all the old images with kids and there visions of Santa...for me I believe in the jolly old elf

TALON said...

A pocket-sized Santa? I love that idea (though it might get dicey when kids were climbing on his lap - lol!) It's funny how everything evolves and changes into what is necessary for the times...

Loved your Santa post and your tired Mom breakfast - at this time of year especially, I don't think there's any other kind of Mom.

I hope you and your family have a beautiful Christmas, JGH.

Ash said...

LOL!!!! One perfect time to use the word freely! HO! Ho! Ho! ;) Wishing u lots of happiness this season.... Happy Celebrations to u & your family!!!! Enjoy & Treasure sweet memories.... Hugs))))

Ash....
(http://hastkala-oceanichope.blogspot.com/)

Malay-Kadazan girl said...

This make sense that Santa is elf.LOL. I wonder till today how did Santa can ever enter a house from the roof with his big belly. Poor Rudolf and other reindeer has to carry big Santa round the world.

DianeDP said...

My kids brought me breakfast in bed when I turned 48, and that was a great treat! It was enhanced by a homemade card. I know this was all their idea. Their Dad did not participate in the breakfast, did not sign the card (but they put his name down anyway, in lieu of his actual John Hancock), but he did make me truffles, and leave the pots and pans to clean up. Kudos to the whole gang, and I hope your Christmases will always be merry!