Explore the history and evolution of Mrs. Claus, Santa's colorful and unsung hero. Discover her origins, role in the Santa Claus legend, and her representation of domesticity. Dive into the portrayal of Mrs. Claus in movies and TV shows, including memorable appearances in 'The Simpsons' and a 2016 Christmas ad.
Mrs. Claus has evolved from a supportive domestic partner to a capable, independent character.
The diverse depictions of Mrs. Claus have ranged from embodying traditional feminine traits to becoming a James Bond-like figure.
Deep dives
The Origins of Santa Claus
The podcast discusses the origins of Santa Claus, tracing his evolution from the real-life Saint Nicholas of Myra in the year 270 to the modern-day symbol of Christmas. It explores how the Dutch tradition of center clause transformed into the Americanized version of Santa Claus. It also mentions the introduction of Mrs. Claus to the Santa Claus narrative, highlighting her role as the keeper of the naughty and nice list, as well as her depiction in various movies and TV shows throughout the years.
Depictions and Names of Mrs. Claus
The podcast delves into the diverse depictions of Mrs. Claus over time, describing her physical appearance and attire, such as the red pedicotes and the iconic plump figure. It also mentions the different names she has been called, including Jessica, Anna, Margaret, Martha, and Carol. The episode highlights the revival of Mrs. Claus in the 1960s and her subsequent presence in various movies and TV shows, culminating in a recent Christmas ad that portrays her as a James Bond-like character.
Mrs. Claus's Roles and Contributions
The podcast emphasizes the evolving roles of Mrs. Claus throughout history, from being Santa's supportive, domestic partner to becoming a time traveler, diplomat, problem solver, and peacekeeper. It mentions her involvement in the suffrage movement in a movie and her portrayal as a capable and independent character in recent depictions. The episode concludes with a tribute to Mrs. Claus's enduring presence and importance in the Christmas tradition.
Mrs. Claus has a history as colorful as her husband's so we spotlight it in our annual visit to her life! Originally, this episode is from 2014, but it's sort of a time-capsule episode: we've added things over the years, including this year, so if you hear Jingle Bells, there's still more to come!
There is just a handful of spaces left for our June 2024 Field Trip to Austria, it will sell out very soon, for details and to sign up, visit Like Minds Travel