December 10th, 2009
Why is Santa’s Nose So Red?
Awesomely strange photos show shopping mall Santas of another era
Nowadays, when taking the kids to see Santa, there’s a level of quality you’ve come to expect. The Santas all have real white beards, sport fresh-pressed red velvet outfits, and sit in front of perfectly decorated trees that put Martha Stewart to shame. Sit the kids on the jolly man’s lap? Of course! Santa has surely been thoroughly screened and psychologically profiled.
Oh, but it didn’t used to be this way.
No, back in the 1970s and 80s, any drifter walking in off the street was allowed to wear the red suit. It was often a job for down-on-their-luck guys looking to pick up a few extra bucks around the holidays. And if you didn’t really look like Jolly St. Nick, they would just give you a mask. Seriously.
Luckily, these Santas of a bygone era have been lovingly documented at Sketchy Santas, where you can view a hilarious collection of drifters, vagabonds, and drunken parolees all doing their time as Kris Kringle. Never before have you seen such a unique blend of miserable men and terrified children. As you scroll through the gallery, invent a new game: Who’s the drunkest Santa? Find the most threatening one! Which one forgot he’s wearing a Santa costume?
This year, when you find yourself stuck in a long line waiting for Santa, be thankful that you’re getting a better photo than our parents ever got.