Who is the real Santa Claus? This isn’t your typical debunking or folklore retelling. In this post, we explore the magical and controversial origins of Santa Claus—his ties to ancient gods, Wild Men, and sacred traditions—and why he’s far more than a modern invention. But this is only a taste of what you’ll hear in the special edition of the Old Ways for Modern Days podcast episode by the same name. The episode goes much deeper and includes excerpts from a special Yuletide playlist inspired by the Winter Father himself.
As the Yule season unfolds, we’re surrounded by images of Santa Claus—a jolly man in a red suit, his sleigh pulled by flying reindeer, delivering gifts to the hopeful and the kind. But who is Santa Claus, really?
Is he just a modern invention—a cheerful character born from Victorian poetry and Coca-Cola advertisements? Or does he carry echoes of something much older, deeper, and more profound?
In my latest podcast episode, Will the Real Santa Claus Please Stand Up?, I take you on a journey into the heart of winter, exploring the layered origins of Santa Claus and the threads that weave him into the ancient traditions of Yule.
A Spirit That Has Adapted Through Time
One of the most fascinating things about Santa Claus is that his story has never been static. Just like the Old Gods, he has evolved alongside us, adapting to different cultures and times while keeping his central message alive: generosity, joy, and hope in the darkest days of the year.
From Saint Nicholas of Myra, a 4th-century bishop known for his acts of anonymous kindness, to the Wild Hunt led by the Norse god Odin, to the mischievous household spirits like Tomtens and Nisser, Santa’s roots run deep into the icy soil of ancient myth and tradition.
Did you know that two of Santa’s reindeer, Donner and Blitzen, take their names from the Dutch words for thunder (Donder) and lightning (Bliksem)—a nod to the Norse god Thor? Or that Santa’s red coat and beard may carry echoes of the Holly King, the ancient spirit of winter who rules over the dark half of the year?
Santa Claus: A Keeper of the Old Ways
In the episode, I delve into how Santa may be more than a cheerful icon.
Could he be a muse—a spirit working through poets, artists, and storytellers to carry forward ancient wisdom into modern times? What if Santa is not merely a figure of fiction but a connection to the Old Powers that our ancestors honored?
We explore the idea that the Old Powers adapt, finding ways to remain present in our lives. Santa, with his sleigh and reindeer, his gifts and warmth, may very well be a reflection of those spirits evolving to meet us where we are today.
The Truth About Believing
One of the most passionate parts of this episode is my defense of the Santa story. Many call it a lie told to children, but I disagree. When we teach our children about Santa Claus, we’re not deceiving them—we’re showing them how to trust in magic, how to believe in things they can’t always see, and how to honor the unseen forces that move through our world.
Santa reminds us that reality isn’t just what we see; it’s what we feel, imagine, and create. And most importantly, what we feed with our stories, beliefs, and traditions will endure.
What You’ll Discover in the Episode:
In Will the Real Santa Claus Please Stand Up?, we explore:
*The historical and folkloric roots of Santa Claus, from Saint Nicholas to the Norse gods.
*The Wild Men of European folklore and their connection to Santa’s untamed spirit.
*A more recent myth: the Holly King and Oak King, and how their story echoes the figure of Father Christmas.
*How Santa Claus serves as a muse, keeping the Old Ways alive through storytelling and art.
*Why teaching children to believe in Santa is about more than holiday fun—it’s about nurturing their connection to magic, faith, and the divine.
This episode isn’t just about history or folklore—it’s about rediscovering the sacred in the stories we tell and the traditions we cherish.
A Musical Gift for the Season
To make this exploration of Santa Claus even more magical, I’m excited to share Songs of the Winter Father—a playlist created especially for this episode and inspired by my writings on Santa Claus in A Guide to Celebrating the 12 Days of Yule.
The playlist features original songs composed and produced by my husband, Roberto Campus, with lyrics that reflect the themes of the podcast: ancient gods, folklore, generosity, and the spirit of the Winter Father himself.
This playlist will continue to grow throughout the Yuletide period, with new songs added to accompany the magic of the season.
🎵 Listen to the playlist on SoundCloud>>
Let the music transport you into the heart of winter, whether you’re listening to the podcast, celebrating Yule, or reflecting on the sacredness of this season.
Ready to Dive In?
If you’ve ever wondered about the deeper meaning behind Santa Claus, or if you’ve felt the magic of this season tugging at your heart, this episode is for you. Together, we’ll uncover why Santa Claus is far more than a figure in a red suit—he is a living symbol of generosity, hope, and connection to the divine.
Click here to listen to the full episode! >>
Let’s keep the magic alive together.
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