Santa Claus wasn't always portrayed as the jolly chap we see so often these days. Coca-Cola had a lot to do with his attitude adjustment back in the 1920s, as they modified his image in a print advertising campaign to promote their soda.
Often, prior to that, Santa was a lot scruffier and not nearly so cheerful, almost scaring children into being good - or else!
In the top photograph, circa 1903, Santa pauses on his way down a chimney and in the second, busy fellow that he is, he's traveling aboard the ship "New York", circa 1910.
Oh, yes...much scruffier than the Santa most of us know of now! These Santas have an almost wizard look to them... a bit like Gandalf bearing gifts...LOL! :o) Happy Day, my friend ((HUGS))
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