Mrs. Claus is Coming to Town

Everyone knows about Old Saint Nic and his sleigh ride across the globe to deliver toys to children. Everyone credits Santa and his elves for their hard work, but everyone forgets about Mrs. Claus' effort in continuing the holiday tradition. 

Mrs. Claus was first mentioned in a short story called “A Christmas Legend” in 1849, where she was merely mentioned as Santa Claus’ wife. Then, in the 19th century, writers started to accredit women for their laborious work during the holiday season by putting Mrs. Claus in a positive light. For example, Ada Sheltons “In Santa Claus Land” thanks Mrs. Claus for saving the Christmas season.

Unfortunately, during this time, anti-suffragists wrote poorly about Mrs. Claus as a way to belittle women's desire for independence. However, in suffragist Katharine Bates “Goody Santa Claus on a Sleigh Ride” she combats this criticism by highlighting the importance of Mrs. Claus and women all over the world in keeping the Christmas spirit alive.

Today Mrs. Claus is still known as Santa Claus’ wife, but she is more than just that title. Behind the scenes, she manages the operations of the North Pole, prepares toys for children, takes care of the reindeer, and makes cookies with the elves. So this December 25, lets thank Mrs. and Mr. Claus for the magic they bring on that special day.