Gresham Community Advantage Magazine December 2024
COMMUNITY ADVANTAGE
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Matthew Nelson, Publisher Catrina Nelson, CFO
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Kate Astle, Copyeditor
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Hilary Berg Sean Carver
Brittany Jungenberg Morgan King
Shawn Schmidt
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
Dani DeGraw, Justin Nelson, Kaity VanHoose
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Patti Jo Brooks Olive Gallagher
Angie Helvey Lucas Holmgren
Robert Matsumura Dennis McNabb
Peter Murphy Edward Novak
Malia Riggs Kelly Romo
Gretchen Van Lente Ty Walker
Alice Williams Justin Woomer
Kerry Yu
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Laurel Bice Carly Carpenter
Tyler Francke Angie Helvey
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MJ Media Productions Andrew Sambuceto
Henry Schifter Hayley Starkey
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David Long Chris O’Brien
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Gresham Community Advantage Magazine
DECEMBER 2024
BUSINESS FEATURE Oregon City Garage Doors
ACROSS
1 Oregon state tree and tree in “A Charlie Brown Christmas” (2 words)
4 German-themed town in Washington known for its Christmas spirit
6 Christmas beverage also known as “milk punch”
8 Last name of Ebenezer Scrooge’s ghostly business partner
10 Nine are gifted in “The Twelve Days of Christmas” (2 words)
12 Popular cuisine for Jewish people on Christmas and often the only type of restaurant open on Dec. 25
13 Jewish candelabrum with nine branches lit during Hanukkah
14 Number of reindeer pulling Santa’s sleigh DOWN
1 Disney character that is a Christmas Eve staple in Sweden and the character that inspired the current University of Oregon mascot (2 words)
2 George Bailey’s beloved town in “It’s a Wonderful Life” (2 words)
3 Third reindeer shouted in “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”
5 Christmas decoration originally made from strands of silver
7 Opener or famous holiday ballet
9 Christmas _____ on the Willamette River celebrate the holidays
11 European country in which the Christmas tree originated
13 Another name for the three wise men
From Scrap to Sculpture
The artistic vision of Jenny Ellsworth
By Kelly Romo, Active Media
Jenny Ellsworth’s journey into the world of metalwork began in an unexpected place: off-roading. While learning to build roll cages and bumpers, Jenny was captivated by the process of bending and shaping metal. The tactile experience of welding — the sound, the smell, and the quick, powerful way it bonds materials — sparked a passion that quickly evolved into her life’s calling.
Initially, Jenny focused on metal fabrication for commercial properties, where she often witnessed significant waste. Seeing usable scrap discarded made her think creatively about giving these materials a second life. Construction projects
She began crafting art pieces from salvaged materials, and what started as a personal project soon gained the attention and admiration of her friends. Encouraged by their enthusiasm, Jenny held a garage sale, where her pieces were met with excitement, marking the beginning of her artistic career.
Jenny’s first public sculpture, a 17-foot cattail named “Salacia,” came about serendipitously. While helping another artist on a project for Clackamas
Community College, an opportunity arose when an artist dropped out and she was asked to create a sculpture. The recognition she received from her peers and the community was surreal.
“Elemental Love”sculpture in process before being powder coated. It will be permanently installed on December 7th at 7th and Center St. in Oregon City
Her sculptures often feature organic shapes inspired by plants and critters, reflecting the natural forms she sees in the metal she collects. Jenny’s approach to selecting materials is intuitive. She allows the shapes of found objects to guide her, envisioning what they can become.
Balancing the technical aspects of welding with artistic expression seems to come naturally to Jenny, who has an innate sense of proportion and balance, often reflected in her work through the “golden ratio,” which naturally occurs in nature. Her sculptures evoke a sense of curiosity, encouraging viewers to appreciate the beauty of transforming something old into something new.
Over the years, Jenny’s work has evolved, particularly after the loss of her brother in 2010. This personal tragedy led her to create larger, stronger, and more emotionally resonant pieces. Her art has become a way to connect with others who have experienced loss, fostering a shared sense of healing.
Jenny’s work is displayed throughout the Pacific Northwest, including notable installations such as Hughes Water Gardens. She is excited about a new permanent sculpture project in Oregon City, which she was awarded through the Oregon City Arts Commission. This significant piece, “Elemental Love,” will be installed near the historic McLoughlin House and City Hall at the intersection of Seventh and Center on December 7th, 2024.
Once Jenny gets more power in her shop, she will expand her artistic reach by offering welding classes to teach others the craft that has brought her so much fulfillment. To learn more about Jenny Ellsworth’s extraordinary work, visit www.fairyforge.com or follow her on Instagram @fairy_forge_.
Folklore Unwrapped
Krampus Night and why it’s celebrated
By Robert Matsumura, Active Media
Traditionally, Christmas evokes images of Santa Claus, twinkling lights, stuffed stockings over the hearth and gifts beneath the tree. In the heart of the Alps, however, another figure lurks in the shadows of the holiday season, a horned and hairy creature that has for centuries been a part of Central European folklore — Krampus.
The Origins of Krampus
The origins of Krampus reach back to pre-Christian Alpine traditions. The name Krampus derives from the German word krampen, meaning “claw.” Rooted in ancient Norse and Germanic pagan customs, specifically those centered around winter solstice celebrations, Krampus was a horned beast with shaggy fur and a devilish appearance who roamed the land during the dark of winter. With the onset of Christianity however, devilish figures were frowned upon, so rather than eliminating Krampus altogether, he was reinterpreted as a cautionary figure who would scare children into proper behavior, working alongside the benevolent St. Nicholas.
Krampus and St. Nicholas: An
Unlikely Partnership
For every well-behaved child a troublemaker existed, and this was where Krampus came in. While St. Nicholas rewarded the good children with presents and treats, Krampus dealt with the naughty ones with spankings and even hauling them away to the underworld in some cases. The duality of St. Nicholas and Krampus mirrored the Christian concept of heaven and hell — good and evil — where virtue is rewarded and vice is punished.
Krampusnacht:
A Night of Terror
On the eve of St. Nicholas Day, December 5, Krampusnacht — “Krampus Night” is celebrated across Central Europe.
On this night, men don terrifying costumes and roam the streets as Krampus, scaring children (and sometimes adults) in Krampus parades known as Krampuslauf. These days, Krampus has expanded beyond his traditional Alpine roots. Global media, films and TV shows have embraced Krampus, and in the United States, Krampus has become something of a cult figure. Krampusthemed events, parties and even horror films have reintroduced him to a new generation.
Much of the appeal of Krampus lies in his contrast to the commercialized image of Christmas in modern culture. Krampus represents the balance between light and dark, joy and fear — a reminder that the holiday season, while full of cheer, also contains an element of mystery and unease.
Why Krampus Matters
Today Krampus continues to be popular around the world, demonstrating the power of folklore and its ability to evolve over time. Whether you find him fascinating, frightful or both, there’s no denying that Krampus has carved out a unique place in holiday history — one where the naughty children had better beware!
LExperience Paradise in Comfort
Experience Paradise in Comfort
Reliable, expert plumbing services from seasoned Oregon professionals
Reliable, expert plumbing services from seasoned Oregon professionals
By Dennis McNabb, Active Media
by Brittany Jungenberg, Active Media
Imagine a home where the plumbing works flawlessly. No more leaks. No more clogged drains. No more stress! Your home is your own personal “slice of paradise” and as such it’s imperative to keep all of its core systems working at peak efficiency. When issues arise, especially with regard to plumbing, they must be addressed, and promptly, or small problems can escalate into major ones. Add to that the daunting task of locating and choosing the right plumber for the job and it can be an exceedingly stressful time. Fortunately, for those living between Portland and Salem, Paradise Plumbing Northwest offers
the ideal solution, promising to do things “the right way, not the easy way, for your slice of paradise!”
This is a locally owned and operated business. Owners Adam Stebbins and Tjader (TJ) Mozee-Baum are long-time Oregonians proudly serving the communities they call home. The business just opened its doors earlier this year but they boast over a decade of experience in the industry. And hiring Paradise Plumbing Northwest means hiring the experts themselves! Jobs are not turned over to less-experienced apprentices or subcontractors. When you call Adam and TJ, they are the ones writing the estimates and doing the work!.
I had the pleasure of speaking with TJ, an intelligent and affable gentleman, and it was clear from the outset how passionate and
Photos
dedicated he is to making this venture a success. He admits it’s a competitive industry but by prioritizing customer service and focusing on quality over quantity of work, he hopes they can distinguish themselves as a premier provider of plumbing services in the area. From leaks and broken fixtures to complex emergency repairs, to complete re-pipes and installs, they do it all! And they are willing to tackle many jobs that others won’t. TJ joked that
his stature is on the smaller side for an average plumber but the advantage is that he can fit into much tighter crawlspaces and complete those jobs that other plumbers can’t. If you’ve struggled in the past due to your home having small crawl spaces, Paradise Plumbing Northwest is the answer to your prayers.
In an industry where choices abound, Paradise Plumbing
Northwest should be your first call. Don’t let plumbing issues ruin your peace of mind. Contact Paradise Plumbing Northwest today, experience professional, friendly service, and get back to enjoying your slice of paradise!
Check out their website for more information: paradiseplumbingnw. com or schedule your service call: (971) 417-3266
Get Your Jingle On
Fairgrounds host the ultimate winter celebration
By Angie Helvey, Active Media
It’s time again for our beloved Clackamas County Fairgrounds & Event Center to transform into a dazzling winter wonderland where people of all ages are delighted by the childlike wonder of Christmas. Presented by Direct Link and sponsored by Canby Eye Care and Clinkscales Portable Toilets, the Winter Fair & Holiday Market is back for its fourth year of merrymaking, and everyone is invited to enjoy the most magnificent light show to date, visits with Santa, live music, festive fair food, holiday shopping and more!
With glowing scenes of winter whimsy, tunnels of brilliant lights and a cast of Christmas characters, this year’s display of over 200,000 twinkling lights will lead you on a half-mile stroll down Rodeo Roadway to the arena and conclude with a radiant 30-minute Christmas tree show sure to excite your holiday spirit! “The light show typically goes through the wooded grove, so this is completely different, and we’ve created a rodeo theme,” explains Special Events Manager Catrina Smith. “It’s our goal to make it fun and different, especially for those who come every year.” Don’t forget to document your merry memories with the photo opportunities scattered throughout, like giant picture frames and a sleigh pulled by pretend reindeer where kids can strike a pose.
The holiday cheer continues inside, with over 30 vendors selling unique gifts for your friends and family, from candles and jewelry to original art and handcrafted creations. Grab a cup of hot cocoa and head upstairs, where Santa and Mrs. Claus are available for photos and will be waiting to delight your little ones with hugs, smiles and ho-ho-hos. School bands from the local community will be performing all your favorite jolly jingles, so sing along with Santa and rejoice in celebrating the spirit of Christmas! For even more holiday joy for the littles, stop by the craft corner, where kids can make winter-themed arts and crafts. “It’s the perfect setup for the younger ones to have fun while the parents watch and enjoy the music,” says Sponsorship and Marketing Coordinator Hanna Russell.
Back downstairs, near the kitchen area, kids can write letters to Santa and drop them in the giant mailbox for special delivery to the North Pole. Make sure they include their address so Santa can send his heartfelt reply! No holiday celebration is complete without festive foods, and the kitchen will serve a delicious selection of what can only be described as ‘fair food at Christmas time,’ including elephant ears, corn dogs, funnel cakes, caramel apples and more! For extra fun and a little competition, they’re hosting a Christmas tree decorating contest for local businesses. Participation is free, and the trees will be displayed outside for voting. The winner will take home both the grand prize and the bragging rights!
Bringing friends, family and neighbors together to celebrate the season is a primary initiative for the event. “Christmas time is for family fun, and we want to provide a venue close to home,” says Catrina. “Especially with the school bands we have coming – we love to showcase the local kids and create a great community feel for all of Clackamas County.” Keeping things convenient and affordable is also a priority. Adults 13+ get in for $10, $5 for kids 4-12 and free for three and under. Tickets will be sold online and at the door. Free parking is directly across the street from the venue, and all areas are wheelchair accessible.
For more information, including scheduled days and times, visit clackamascountyfair.com/winter-fair-and-holiday-market/
Homemade Eggnog
Cheers to a classic holiday sipper
Ingredients
6 large egg yolks
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg pinch of salt
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract ground cinnamon, for topping
1/4 cup alcohol, optional (see note)
Directions
Whisk together egg yolks and sugar until light and creamy in medium bowl. In
saucepan over medium-high heat, combine cream, milk, nutmeg and salt. Stir often until it reaches a bare simmer. Add a big spoonful of hot milk to egg mixture, whisking vigorously. Repeat, one spoonful at a time to temper eggs. Once most of hot milk has been added, pour mixture back into saucepan on stove. Whisk constantly until slightly thickened (or until 160°F) — it will thicken as it cools. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla and alcohol (if using). Pour eggnog through fine mesh strainer into pitcher; cover with plastic wrap. Chill in refrigerator. Serve with sprinkle of cinnamon. Store in fridge up to 1 week.
NOTE: If you’re adding alcohol, start with ¼ cup brandy, bourbon, rum or whiskey added at same time as vanilla, or after eggnog cools. For a thinner, completely smooth consistency, pour mixture into blender with 1 or 2 tablespoons milk; blend until smooth.
Die Hard (1988)
“Now I have a machine gun. Ho ho ho.” Yes, Die Hard is a Christmas movie and this is not up for debate — it’s objectively true. The movie takes place during a holiday office party, it has Christmas music, John’s wife is named Holly, there are presents, John wears a Santa hat, it snows. Millions of Americans watch this movie on Christmas Eve every year, and most polls skew in favor of it being a Christmas movie. So there. And with all the action, it’s one heck of a Christmas movie!
The infamous John McClane (Bruce Willis), a NYC cop, is visiting his estranged wife Holly (Bonnie Bedelia) and two daughters in LA on Christmas Eve. He joins his wife at her holiday office party when terrorists suddenly take everyone hostage, and no one else can save them but John! Also starring Alan Rickman, Paul Gleason, Willam Atherton, and more. It’s violent and exciting, funny, full of foul language, and rated R, so it’s ok for teens and adults only.
Home Alone (1990)
“Keep the change, ya filthy animal.” Probably the most iconic Christmas movie ever made, Home Alone is jam-packed full of hilarious quotes, slapstick and action, and remains an unmistakably heartwarming family movie. If you’ve lived under a rock for 35 years and don’t know, the story follows Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) who’s left home alone after his family forgets him in Chicago when they travel to Paris for Christmas. Being a bit of a black sheep and the youngest in a large family, Kevin welcomes this time alone when his wish comes true — that is, until “Wet Bandit” burglars Harry (Joe Pesci) and Marv (Daniel Stern) start scoping out his house. From there, Kevin develops an elaborate plan to defend his home while trying to remain self-sufficient without his family, learning many lessons along the way. Also starring Catherine O’Hara, John Heard, Kieran Culkin, John Candy, and more. One of my all-time favs, this is rated PG for slapstick violence and ok for older kids. And if you love this, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York is also fantastic.
A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
“Dear Santa Claus, How have you been? Did you have a nice summer?” A Charlie Brown Christmas is a timeless holiday movie that’s perfect for families, offering a heartwarming tale about the true meaning of Christmas. This cartoon follows Charlie Brown as he wrestles with the commercialization of the holiday season, feeling sad despite all the holiday fun happening around him. With the help of his friends and a scrawny little Christmas tree, Charlie discovers the joy and love of togetherness. What makes A Charlie Brown Christmas so special is its universality — the story is sweet and simple, with humor and themes of kindness and reflection that both kids and adults will appreciate. Also, not to be forgotten is the jazz-infused soundtrack by Vince Guaraldi Trio, which adds an extra layer of nostalgia. The movie is unrated but views like a G — wholesome enough for the whole family.
Stream these movies where available, or rent from your local movie store, library or rental kiosk.
The Darkest Days
How the winter solstice brings hope
By Robert Matsumura, Active Media
Every year around December 21st in the Northern Hemisphere, the winter solstice occurs, marking the shortest day and longest night of the year. Through the centuries this annual cosmic event has inspired stories, myths, and celebrations, blending elements of nature, light, and spirituality in traditions shared by numerous cultures across the globe. At the heart of these ancient rituals and festivities is the summer solstice’s association with birth and renewal, a seasonal change in nature that heralds the coming of spring and an end to the darkness of winter.
Ancient Origins: Celebrating the Sun’s Return
Before calendars and clocks were invented, people lived in accordance with the sun’s cycles. In a sun-centric world the solstice served as a pivotal marker in their agricultural, spiritual, and social lives. For many cultures, the winter solstice was viewed with trepidation — a time when the world could fall into chaos, a dark period where the sun was symbolically at its weakest — before returning to glory as the days lengthened. The summer solstice was a reminder of the sun’s return, bringing warmth, growth, and sustenance. Elaborate feasts were often held, sacred rituals performed, and fires lit to encourage the rebirth of the sun.
Northern Europe: Yule and the Norse Pantheon
One of the most famous winter solstice traditions took place in Northern Europe where ancient Germanic and Norse tribes celebrated Yule. A festival that honored the Norse gods, particularly Odin, Yule focuses upon the rebirth of the sun. Evergreens, symbolizing eternal life, were central to Yule, and homes were decorated with boughs of holly, ivy, and mistletoe — plants resistant to winter’s chill. Over time, these traditions blended with Christian customs, resulting in today’s wreaths, garlands, and Christmas trees.
Rome: Saturnalia and the Feast of Misrule
Across the Roman Empire, the solstice celebration known as Saturnalia was a time of joyous revelry. Saturnalia honored Saturn, the god of agriculture and time with festivities that flipped societal norms. During Saturnalia, carnivallike chaos reigned — slaves could become masters for a day, gambling was permitted, and everyone feasted. It was a season of merriment, gift-giving, and the relaxation of social rules. Everyone — rich and poor alike — could partake in the festivities. Saturnalia had a profound influence on later Christmas celebrations, particularly the communal feasting, exchanging of gifts, and sense of goodwill.
The British Isles: Stonehenge and the Celtic Solstice
East Asia: Dongzhi Festival and Harmony in Balance
In East Asia, the Dongzhi Festival signals the arrival of winter and the rebirth of yang energy. Dongzhi, meaning “extreme of winter,” derives from the concept of yin and yang — the cosmic balance of dark and light. While the winter solstice represents the darkest day, it also signifies the gradual rise of yang energy and the light.
In the British Isles, Stonehenge remains one of the most iconic sites associated with the winter solstice. Constructed thousands of years ago, this mysterious stone circle aligns perfectly with the solstice sunrise, drawing crowds of onlookers annually to witness the event. Though Stonehenge’s origin is unknown, it’s clear that its creators were deeply attuned to the celestial rhythms, and utilized the monument to mark important seasonal shifts.
In the Celtic world, the summer solstice was a time when the Oak King triumphed over the Holly King in their eternal battle for earth’s light. The Oak King, symbolizing the waxing sun, would begin to grow stronger with the longer days, heralding the return of spring. Rituals involved bonfires, feasts, and offerings to the gods in gratitude for the return of the light.
In China, Dongzhi is a time for family reunions and feasting on specific culinary favorites such as tangyuan — glutinous rice balls served in sweet syrup, symbolizing family unity. In southern China, dumplings are also popular and are believed to protect against the winter cold. Dongzhi is also a time for reconnecting with ancestors, and the belief is that one’s good fortune and health in the coming year depends on harmony between the living and the deceased.
Indigenous Peoples: Honoring the Dark and the Light
For many Indigenous cultures of North America, summer solstice rituals were held to celebrate the return of the sun. The Pueblo peoples celebrated Soyal with purification rituals and dances meant to awaken the sun from its winter sleep. Central to the ceremony is the creation of kachina dolls — symbolic representations of deities or spirits — that play a crucial role in the life cycle.
Far to the North, the Inuit people of Alaska and Canada honored the summer solstice with a festival called Quviasukvik, a time when families convened to share food and stories, reflect on the past and anticipate the return of the sun. As a people accustomed to harsh Arctic winters, the summer solstice indeed was cause for celebration. Longer days and the return of the sun literally represented survival in the brutal conditions of the North.
South America: Inti Raymi and the Andean Celebration
In the Southern Hemisphere, the summer solstice occurs in June. Among the Incas, Inti Raymi, the festival of the sun was held in honor of Inti, the sun god. The Incas, who revered the sun as their primary deity, performed elaborate ceremonies in honor of Inti to ensure good harvests in the coming year. At the heart of the solstice celebrations was the city of Cusco, where ritual sacrifices, offerings and dances were performed to demonstrate the people’s gratitude and reverence for the sun’s critical role in sustaining life. Modern day celebrations honoring Inti are held to this day.
The Solstice Today: A Time for Reflection and Renewal
While solstice celebrations have evolved over the centuries, themes of light, rebirth, and reflection are timeless. From spiritual gatherings to cozy times around the hearth, the winter solstice invites us to anticipate the return of the sun and all that it brings to the earth. So as the winter solstice rolls around, take a moment to slow down, reflect, and find balance, like our ancestors once did. On the darkest of days, the solstice is a celebration of endurance, hope, and abundance that light makes possible in our lives.
Mattress World Northest will be supporting Special Olympics Oregon via the Polar plunge. They will be donating time, money and TV advertising in addition, they will be getting donations from their customers. Their main fundraiser, The Polar Plunge, takes place February 24 11 a.m. at Willamette Park in Portland and a 5k fun run at 10 a.m. “Polar Plunge is your chance to step out of your comfort zone by jumping into an unforgettable experience that directly impacts the lives of Special Olympics Oregon Athletes. By participating you provide 5,000+ Special Olympics Oregon Athletes access to sports, activities, and community,” says Special Olympics Oregon.
Why is this nonprofit so important? “Special Olympics Oregon believes in the transformative power and pure joy of
athletic competition. Every day across the state, we help children and adults with intellectual disabilities become athletes and grow a strong, supportive community of advocates. Through year-round training and serious competition, Special Olympics participants journey along a proven pathway to better health, essential life skills and lifelong friendships.” Please help us raise funds by donating online or visiting one of our local stores.
We are family-owned and -operated and we strive to greet every customer with a smile, listen to your needs and concerns and give a great overall experience.
Get a better night’s sleep and help support your community at one of our many local Mattress World Northwest locations. Check us out online at mattressworldnorthwest.com to find the closest location and store hours.
New Installs to Small Repairs
No
project too large or too small!
By Patti Jo Brooks, Active Media
Photos by Brittany Jungenberg, Active Media
Thought about replacing that worn-out, dated garage door? Do your spirits sink just a bit every time you pull up to it? Perhaps it’s broken or annoyingly noisy? Call the experts! Serving the Greater Portland-Metro Area and SW Washington, this family-owned and -operated business services everything from squeaky doors and broken springs to custom installations and repairs for both residential and commercial properties. Don’t let the name mislead you. Oregon City Garage Door’s headquarters is located in Clackamas, but with twelve field technicians and four estimators this local company covers a lot of ground! Oregon City Garage Door will install, repair and maintain your new or existing garage door at any location throughout the Greater Portland-Metro Area. “Let Oregon City Garage Door Open the Door for You!”
installation once they arrive at the local distribution center in Portland. Depending on the make and model, some doors are already in stock. Custom orders typically take a standard of three to four weeks to reach the local warehouse.
When you call Oregon City Garage Door, “You’re calling a professional,” says owner Ryan Dissen. Focused on customer service and fast turnaround time, many repairs are handled with same-day service. “We have 11 vehicles stocked and ready to go,” Ryan points out. New doors, manufactured by Clopay (American-made and American-owned), can be scheduled for
Visit the Oregon City Garage Door showroom to view a firsthand demonstration of one of their fully operational garage doors. Utilizing a garage door opener, you’ll see how smoothly the installed door opens and closes. The showroom also features doors in four different styles displayed on a sliding track for easy viewing. “We have samples, brochures and literature to help our customers decide which door they would like,” Ryan notes.
An Oregon City native and Air Force veteran, Ryan Dissen continues his close ties to the community through his membership, donations and fundraiser participation for the Oregon City Elks Lodge Christmas Basket program. Oregon City Garage Door also donated labor and installation services to accompany R&S Manufacturing’s donated garage door to La Salle High School for their softball hitting facility.
The Oregon City Garage Door showroom is located at 16000 SE Evelyn St. in Clackamas. Call (503) 664-9982 or visit oregoncitygaragedoor.com for their gallery and additional information.
The Magical Legend of Santa Claus
1600 years in the making
By Robert Matsumura, Active Media
As the holiday season rolls around, Santa Claus assumes center stage. But where exactly did this rotund, jovial old man in a red suit originate, and how did he become the iconic symbol of Christmas that he is today? In truth, the history of Santa Claus is a fascinating tale that intertwines folklore, legends and a sprinkle of entrepreneurial ingenuity.
Santa Claus as we know him today traces his roots back to a number of historical figures, each contributing to the contemporary version we know and love. Perhaps the earliest inspiration for Santa Claus was Saint Nicholas, a Christian bishop of the 4th century, renowned for his acts of kindness and gift-giving. In time, Saint Nicholas became the patron saint of children, sailors, merchants, archers and brewers, among others.
In the British Isles, a character known as Father Christmas emerged during the mid-17th century and was frequently depicted as a bearded man garbed in green, symbolizing the spirit of the season. By the 18th century, however, the concepts of Father Christmas and Saint Nicholas merged, resulting in a hybrid figure that blended elements from both traditions.
The American version of Santa Claus began to take shape in the 18th century. Influenced by Dutch and German settlers, the name “Santa Claus” evolved from the Dutch term “Sinterklaas.”
During this period, “A Visit from St. Nicholas” (commonly known as “The Night Before Christmas”), a poem published in 1823, played a pivotal role in shaping the modern image of Santa. This poem described Santa
as a rotund gift-giver in a red suit who utilized chimneys rather than the front door for his Christmas visits. The poem, attributed to Clement Clarke Moore, established not only Santa’s magical nighttime journey around the world delivering toys to children, but specified his vehicle of choice as a sleigh powered by eight reindeer with specific names and attributes. Also introduced in the poem was the idea of Santa monitoring children on his “naughty and nice” list and filling stockings accordingly.
The classic image of Santa Claus in a red suit with a white beard was tweaked further in the 1930s due to a marketing campaign by Coca-Cola. The company’s advertisements depicted Santa as plump, rosy-cheeked, and garbed in a red and white outfit and hat. Although Santa had been portrayed in robes of other colors prior to this marketing campaign, CocaCola’s version of Santa Claus was embraced by the popular imagination and remains the image we associate with him to this day.
As the holidays roll around, and images of Santa Claus abound, know that, like so many things in life, Santa has evolved from his ancient origins as Saint Nicholas and Father Christmas to the iconic figure of Christmas cheer crafted by an imaginative poet and creative corporate advertising. One thing is for certain, whether you’re a child or an adult, the holidays would not be the same without Santa, his reindeer and the spirit of the season that he represents to so many around the world!
GRESHAM FIRE DEPARTMENT
Cold Weather SAFETY TIPS
When you are outside, frostbite and hypothermia are possible, so you need to protect yourself:
Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing.
Wear a hat. Try to stay dry and out of the wind.
Cover your mouth to protect lungs from extreme cold.
Mittens, snug at the wrist, are better than gloves.
Wood-burning stoves, fireplaces and heaters:
Always keep a screen around an open flame.
NEVER use gasoline to start your fireplace.
NEVER burn charcoal indoors.
Do not close the damper when ashes are hot.
Use only safe sources of alternative heat such as a fireplace, small well-vented wood or coal stove or portable space heaters. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
When using a space heater, take special care:
Check it regularly. Make sure the heater is clean, blowing the correct temperature, and the cord and unit aren’t damaged.
Keep space heaters at least three feet away from anything that could catch fire, such as furniture, curtains, bedding, or clothing.
Don’t leave space heaters unattended. Turn off and unplug the heater when you leave the room or go to bed. Space heaters can’t regulate temperature well for long periods and can be dangerous if left on.
Plug it directly into a wall outlet. Don’t use a power strip or extension cord, as this can increase the risk of overheating and fire.
Test your smoke detectors monthly to ensure they’re working properly.
Don’t use it for other purposes. Space heaters should only be used to heat a room, not for drying clothes or warming bedding.
Carbon monoxide poisoning is a silent, deadly killer, claiming about 1,000 lives each year in the U.S.:
Install a carbon monoxide detector.
NEVER run generators indoors.
Open a window slightly when using a kerosene heater and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
NEVER use a gas oven to heat your home.
If your heat goes out, you can keep warm indoors by closing off rooms you do not need, dressing in layers of lightweight clothing, and wearing a cap.
Animal and pet safety:
Bring pets inside.
Provide shelter and fresh water.
Keep salt away from paws.
Vehicle preparation:
Check your battery.
Check your fluids (coolant, wiper fluid, oil, etc.).
