And his name is Odin!
Santa Claus is real
This is one of my favorite seasons, and what is good is how I can share all about Santa Claus without feeling like I am lying to my kids. J
As I said in my last email, the Vikings celebrated the Winter Solstice, also called Yule.
This twelve day festival was the celebration of the New Year, and considered the most important. Many even now come together to celebrate community, their achievements, and a toast of thankfulness with a Viking Toast.
And this then brings me to celebrating Odin.
You might have heard about St. Nicholas, the Turkish Bishop, who was said to be a gift giver.
Although this may have been true, the Germanic and Scandinavian tribes celebrated a gift giver that fits our understanding of Santa Claus. Yes, I’m talking about Odin.
On Solstice, it is said that Odin leads a great Yule hunt riding Sleipnir, his 8-legged horse through the sky. Children would fill their boots with straw and carrots for Sleipnir, and Odin would reward the children for their kindness by leaving behind a gift (either candy or toys).
Of course, the image is of course HOT SANTA. Maybe that means, we need a Santa story updated. 🙂 Odin is married to Freyja, so that has to mean that he is also hot (he is said to visit women of Midgard, so who knows).
Sounds like a writing prompt to me!
