Streaming Santa? How Mr. and Mrs. Claus are keeping up with the times

He’s delighting kids with virtual visits; she’s stepping out of Santa's shadow.

Santa Claus has seen many Christmas changes since the original St. Nicholas wandered the slums of fourth-century Turkey giving presents to the poor. But aside from the 1823 publication of “A Visit from St. Nicholas”—which overnight canonized Santa’s red suit, full beard, and “bowl full of jelly” tummy—the old boy has seldom been subject to so much change so quickly.

In two years of COVID-19, many of Santa’s young visitors have moved from in-person moments on his lap to remote sessions on his laptop. The demise of shopping malls has led to more appearances at holiday parties and corporate events. And Mrs. Claus, once largely relegated to keeping excited children in line, is

Unlock this story for free
Create an account to read the full story and get unlimited access to hundreds of Nat Geo articles.

Unlock this story for free

Want the full story? Sign up to keep reading and unlock hundreds of Nat Geo articles for free.
Already have an account?
SIGN IN

Read This Next

Why are these orcas killing sharks and removing their livers?
How to eat in 6 of the world’s most stunning places
Cliff art reveals the majesty of the Amazon’s aquatic realm

Go Further

Subscriber Exclusive Content

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet