Why Does Santa Wear Glasses? This question from a young girl was no surprise because the story of Santa Claus is one of the most beloved stories of the holiday season. The jolly old man with his snow-white beard and wire-rim spectacles is an iconic image that has become synonymous with the winter holidays. But have you ever wondered when and why Santa started wearing glasses?
The Origins of Santa Claus
The modern-day image of Santa Claus is a relatively recent reinvention of St. Nicholas (or Sinter Klaas, as he’s known in the Netherlands). St. Nick, who died in 343 A.D. at age 73, was beloved for freely sharing his inherited wealth with the less fortunate. But he probably didn’t wear glasses. St. Nick lived before eyeglasses were invented.
The person responsible for shaping the modern-day image of Santa Claus is German-born American artist Thomas Nast. He created 33 images of Santa for Harper’s Weekly magazine over two decades, from 1863 to 1886. Over the next century, Santa donned glasses like much of mature Americans, as a newly invented vision aid and status symbol. In 20th-century America, glasses were a natural fit for an older gentleman with so many lists of nice and naughty kids to manage.
Today, the thousands of Santas and Mrs. Clauses who dedicate their time and talents to making the season enjoyable wear the distinctive “Santa glasses” as costume props, vision aids, or both before they step into their sleighs.
So why does Santa wear glasses and not contact lenses?
Santa has Presbyopia (Age-Related Farsightedness)
Age-related vision loss is one of the possible explanations for why Santa Claus wears glasses. As we age, our eyesight tends to deteriorate, and many people require reading glasses or other visual aids to see clearly. Given that Santa Claus is often depicted as an older man, it’s possible that some creators of the Santa Claus character decided to give him glasses to reflect this.
Age-related vision loss is a common condition that affects many people as they get older. The lens of the eye becomes less flexible, making it harder to focus on close-up objects. This condition is known as presbyopia, and it typically begins to develop around 40 years.
Signs and Symptoms of Presbyopia include:
- Difficulty Reading Small Print and Phone texts
- Eye Strain
- Blurred Vision at Close Distances
- Needing More Light for Reading
- Difficulty Seeing Nearby Objects Clearly
In addition to presbyopia, other age-related eye conditions can affect vision. These include cataracts, which cause cloudy vision, and age-related macular degeneration, which can cause a loss of central vision. While these conditions are more common in older adults, they can also occur in younger people.
If Santa Claus did have age-related vision loss, he would not be alone. Many young and old people require visual aids to see clearly. Glasses are a common solution for those with vision problems, and they can help to correct refractive errors and improve visual acuity.
Santa’s glasses serve as a practical accessory. As Santa spends long hours reading letters from children and checking his list, his glasses help him maintain his focus and clarity of vision. They are an essential tool for his work as a gift giver and spreader of holiday cheer.
Santa Wears Glasses to Look Fashionable
In recent years, there has been a growing acceptance and appreciation of glasses as a fashion accessory. Many people choose to wear glasses even if they don’t have a vision problem, simply because they like how they look. This trend could also help to explain why Santa Claus is often depicted as wearing glasses – they may be seen as a stylish addition to his outfit.
The glasses add a touch of whimsy to his overall look. For example, the round, wire frames are reminiscent of classic vintage glasses, giving Santa a timeless appeal. They also provide a splash of color, as many versions of Santa’s glasses feature red or green accents that match his iconic suit.
In addition, Santa’s glasses help to accentuate his facial features. The round frames draw attention to his rosy cheeks, while the lenses bring out the twinkle in his eyes. This helps to create a warm and approachable persona that is key to Santa’s likability.
Santa Wears Glasses to Promote Marketing
Marketers and advertisers frequently showcase Santa’s glasses prominently in campaigns and advertisements for holiday products and services. By incorporating Santa’s glasses into their branding and advertising, companies can tap into the emotional appeal and nostalgia associated with the Santa Claus mythos, which can help drive sales and build customer loyalty.
In addition, Santa’s glasses serve as a way to humanize the brand and create a relatable persona for consumers. By portraying Santa wearing glasses, companies can evoke feelings of trustworthiness, intelligence, and warmth, which are all valuable attributes for brands to cultivate.
Santa Wears Glasses and Not Contact Lens
Glasses are simply a part of Santa’s signature look. They are an instantly recognizable feature that helps to create a strong and memorable brand identity. By wearing glasses, Santa reinforces his image as a wise, trustworthy figure who is always looking out for the best interests of children everywhere. While contact lenses might offer some practical advantages, glasses are an essential part of Santa’s overall image and persona.
