Numerous parallels have been drawn between Santa Claus and the figure of Odin, a major god amongst the Germanic peoples prior to their Christianization. Since many of these elements are unrelated to Christianity, there are theories regarding the pagan origins of various customs of the holiday stemming from areas where the Germanic peoples were Christianized and retained elements of their indigenous traditions, surviving in various forms into modern depictions of Santa Claus
Wine is constant proof that God loves us and loves to see us happy.
Benjamin Franklin
I don't think of myself as a role model. I do try to live in a compassionate, considerate and positive way. The only advice I can offer is to find what you love to do, find the joy in it, and express yourself through your passion.
~Barry Williams
@Jason Politte: Thank you very much Jason! I hope you enjoy the rest of them just as much as I do! ;-)
@Japanalia: Thank you very much Gabriela! Yes, if we look back far enough we always will find roots in the pagan rites! ;-)
@Nicou: Merci beaucoup Nicou! Je suis très heureux que vous appréciez ma collection de Pères Noël! ;-)
@Doug: Thank you very much Doug! ;-)
@mhelene: Thank you very much Mhelene! ;-)
@Gérard Beullac: Thank you very much Gerard! ;-)
@Paco Díaz: Thank you very much Paco! ;-)
@Shaahin Bahremand: Thank you very much Shaahin! ;-)
@tataray: Merci beaucoup Raymonde! ;-)
@mo.langel: Merci beaucoup Mo! ;-)
@Stephen: Thank you very much Stephen! Yes, as you will see there are a lot of elements of local traditions that have crept into the persona of Santa over the years! ;-)
@Scene by Sharon Photography: Thank you very much Sharon! Yes indeed, each has it's own special personality! ;-)
@L'Angevine: Merci beaucoup L'Angevine! Oui, bientôt il sera temps de commencer à chanter des chants de Noël et de penser à la naissance de notre Sauveur! ;-)
@Judy aka L@dybug: Thank you very much Judy! Yes, strange but true!! ;-)
@Martine: Merci beaucoup Martine! ;-)
@Mj007: Thank you very much Mj007 and welcome to my blog! Please come back and visit soon! ;-)
@Laur: Merci beaucoup Laurence! J'espère que vous aimez le reste de la collection tout autant! ;-)
@Evelyne Dubos: Merci beaucoup Evelyne! ;-)
@Lalena: Thank you very much Lalena! ;-)
@El pare: Thank you very much Manel! Yes, either that or he is overdue for a trip to the barber for a trim! ;-)))
@Lena: Thank you very much Lena! ;-)
@franz: LOL.....Thank you very much Franz! ;-)
@Adela Fonts: Thank you very much Adela! ;-)
@Phil David Morris 2011: Thank you very much Phil! ;-)
@StarCosmosBleu: Thank you very much Marcel! ;-)
@Roman: Thank you very much Roman! ;-)
@☺ ► ƸɼiϾ ◄ ☼: Thank you very much Eric! ;-)
@john4jack: Thank you very much Jack! ;-)
@john4jack: Yes, indeed if we look at many of our traditions we find that they are taken from pagan symbols and practices. Thank you very much Jack! ;-)
@john4jack: ;-)
@Dokmateo: Thank you very much Dokmateo! ;-)
@Dokmateo: You silver tongued devil! ;-)))
@Elaine Hancock: Thank you very much Elaine! ;-)
@AMH: Thank you very much Alejandra! Yes, I too buy a new Santa each year to bring joy and luck to the year! ;-)
@Hiro: Thank you very much Hiro! ;-)
@Sam: Thank you very much Sam! ;-)
@Sarito: Thank you very much Sarito! ;-)
@Mandar: Thank you very much Mandar! ;-)
@PATRICK: Thank you very much Patrick! ;-)
@Steve Rice: Thank you very much Steve! I am glad you are enjoying them! ;-)