This may be basically the same as Bruyere's thread, but if I ask the question as poster #29, I doubt it'll be answered So I'm starting a new thread. Where did the tradition come from that's supposed to have Christmas as cold, snowy and a fat man BUNDLED UP in a red suit?? If you take in the entire world, less than one quarter actually gets snow on Christmas! Even in the Northern Hemisphere (the U.S. for example) only about 1/4 of the U.S. actually gets snow for this time of year - even in NJ it's rare to have a White Christmas! So I'm just wondering how this started??

Good question as by the way, didn't the whole thing supposedly take place in the desert?

I have no real facts, but my guess is it evolved because of the places that do get snow for Christmas. Over the years, the people in those places became accustomed to having snow for or near Christmas.

All I know is I am excited because we have a winter storm watch for tonight and tomorrow, and it may be upgraded to a winter storm warning by tonight. At the moment they are expecting 2 - 4 inches, but as the storm system gets closer and they can see more of what to expect, that may be upgraded to more too. Even though the first Christmas happened in a warm, brown area, I still dream of a white Christmas every year. I guess it is my inner child peeking out.

Bruyere, yea, that's another thing! Supposedly it is warm in that part of the world in December! (or maybe it's always warm?) Anyway, that's another good point!

And Babymoo, we too are expecting snow on Christmas Day which isn't very common! However I don't like snow, so I'm not too happy about it!

You could send your snow back my way, Samantha! 2-4 inches just isn't enough for the kid in me!

I suppose it started because most of the population that started these traditions did live in cold snowy climates. Wasn't Santa originally a German thing?

WOO HOO We have just been "upgraded" to 5-6 inches of snow! It has already started!!! The kid in me is celebrating

YAY! I'm so happy for you ... enjoy it and if there is any left over send it this way!

I wish I could send some your way, and cool things down for you a little!

We've got lots of rain forecast for here. Temperatures are likely to be in double figures. Santa's going to need his waterproofs I think ...and maybe an amphibious sleigh.

Well, it wasn't originally predicted by the weatherman but Toronto got a white Christmas ....thanks to the US for sending it up to us (isn't Canada usually blamed for that 'nasty white stuff' being blown down there?)

Some people blame Canada when we get snow. I thank Canada whenever we get snow. I am glad You guys got an enexpected white Christmas maybe you got some of ours for a change. We didn't get nearly what was being called for. I am still glad we had a white Christmas though.

We had a frost on the ground this morning. I'm usually happy when it is at least cold and feels like Christmas, cause I've experienced many a Christmas with temps in the 80's.

Ask Coca-Cola about Santa. I understand modern Santa mythos mostly due to them.

I've heard this reference several times in the UK to the Coca Cola thing and the red suit Santa who was formerly green, however, in terms of promoting Coke, why would a winter figure promote a drink that's more satisfying in the summer than the winter?

Anyone have any info on the Coca Cola thing?

I can tell you that here where I live, near the Italian border, we're now entering the Befana period, where the good witch comes down and gives kids presents. This means that local merchants are still keeping the toys out.
So Italian kids get major gifts, Babbo Natale gives them stuff, then they wait until January 6th, and they get more.
Epiphany is celebrated here in France with a cake and a bean in it or a favor. They're selling them already.

Speaking of White Christmas, you could also justify it in modern France by saying that many many people spend their holidays up in the ski resorts, either Christmas or New Year's Eve. This year there's snow.

In France you begin a chain of festivals that seemingly never ends. After Epiphany, then you start getting the early spring ones...minor saint's days...leading into Easter.
I do enjoy this, in a reasonably secular state, you still have strong traditions local and national.

PS, notice how in warm climates, you'll see people going heavy duty with the flocking on the trees and decorations?
I hate that stuff...once or twice I've seen people use the flocking then it'll snow for real and melt, looks like a real mess.

Isn't there a French saying "No work and all play, keeps the doctor away"?
And did not Molière say "En France on ne mange pas pour vivre, on vit pour manger"?