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Santa Claus, the jolly, portly fellow dressed in fur-trimmed crimson clothes and sporting the long white beard, is unique to America. Other cultures have a long history of gift-bringers, but Santa in the United States has a special identity, the result of melding religious symbolism, Old World lore, and Dutch folktales. And, of course, he also requires more than a dash of whimsy. That was supplied by a talented storyteller, was enhanced by an unlikely poet, and was made visible by a couple of artists, all working independently.
Let us contemplate that, and if afterward you remain a skeptic who doubts Christmas magic, read on.