Father Christmas: How old is our favourite hero?

Father Christmas is a character that everyone knows - children and adults alike. The friendly old man with his distinctive red robe, white beard and full sack of presents has been evoking joy and excitement for years, especially in the run-up to Christmas. But, how old is our favourite character really? While this question can be a little difficult to answer, it is worth taking a look at the history of this magical character to better understand where he comes from and why he is so special.

The history of Father Christmas

Father Christmas is an authentic figure. He is Nicholas of Myra, a bishop who lived in the 4th century in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). Nicholas was known for his charity and generosity. From an early age, he helped those in need; after the death of his parents, he distributed all his inherited wealth to the poor. His good heart, empathy and concern for others made Nicholas a highly respected figure even during his lifetime. 

Santa Claus in the media

Over the years, the figure of Father Christmas has evolved, gaining popularity in different countries and cultures. In the United States, in the 19th century, the image of Santa Claus speeding through the sky in a sleigh harnessed with reindeer appeared. Soon after, the image of Santa Claus was standardised in numerous literary works, media, and illustrations. It is also worth mentioning the popular Coca-Cola advert from the 1930s, which largely contributed to the popularisation of the image of Santa as we know him today.

How old is Father Christmas?

• Looking at Father Christmas in a historical context, Nicholas of Myra lived in the 4th century and his death took place around the year 343. Given that it is now the year 2025, we could conclude that our hero is around 1682 years old! 

• If we focus on the years of the Bishop of Myra's life, we get a different result. According to the available information, Nicholas was born on 15 March 270 AD, while he died on 6 December 342 (345) AD. According to the data presented, he lived 70-72 years. Thus, he lived to a ripe old age for the time. 

• However, when it comes to the magic of Christmas, Santa's age is much more flexible. Father Christmas, at around 50-60 years old, does not age. In the Christmas tradition, he is an immortal figure who visits homes all over the world every year and presents children with gifts.

Why doesn't Father Christmas age?

Many people ask themselves how it is possible that Father Christmas does not age. The key is the unique nature of Santa. As a character associated with the magic of Christmas, Santa has certain abilities that allow him to travel all over the world. In one night, the friendly old man visits homes in different corners of the globe. This custom is never supposed to change. This invariability is part of the magic that makes the festive season so special.

Does Santa's age matter?

Father Christmas is a symbol of joy, kindness, love and togetherness. Everyone who meets him at Christmas experiences feelings of warmth and magic. It is these feelings - not age - that make Father Christmas such a much-loved figure.