Into the Wardrobe

One of my favorite things about LWW is the fact that it is both a Christmas Story and a Easter Story. The Christmas element has, with the season, been on my mind, so I have been digging into the legend of Father Christmas.

Thing is, it has left me somewhat confused. Traditionally, I have absolutely refused to believe that the English legend of Father Christmas is the same as the person generally referred to as Santa Claus. If anything, Santa Claus is a very bad caricature of Father Christmas. Wikipedia seems to agree, in saying that Father Christmas was neither a gift-giver, nor was he associated primarily with children.

Well, I was watching the special informative subtitles on my LWW DVD, and it straightforwardly suggested that Father Christmas is indeed Santa Claus. That whole idea saddens me, as I think the spirit of Christmas should not embody such leniency toward materialism and greed.

Could someone who is adequately informed please let me know what is the truth behind this mystical character, Father Christmas ?

And you wouldn't expect Santa to be accompanied by one of these:

A 'Krampus', companion of St. Nicholas in some traditions (he beats the naughty children: )

Good heavens. Well I am certainly not leaving a mince pie and a sherry out for THAT!

Wow. You leave mince pie and alcohol for Santa?! Double wow! Now I know why he has traditionally been late to my house.

And carrots for the reindeer.

Someone - one of my parents I presume - always used to take a bite out of one of the carrots. I would imagine that was less pleasant than scoffing the pie and sherry.