The History Chicks: A Women’s History Podcast
Episode: Mrs. Claus, 2024
Release Date: December 23, 2024

In this festive episode of The History Chicks, hosts Jess Beckett and Susan delve into the enigmatic and often overlooked figure of Mrs. Claus. Celebrating her evolution from a shadowy presence to a formidable character in modern media, the episode offers a comprehensive exploration of Mrs. Claus's herstory, enriched with historical insights, cultural references, and notable literary contributions.

Introduction: Unveiling Mrs. Claus

Kicking off the episode with warm holiday wishes, Susan and Beckett set the stage for their deep dive into Mrs. Claus's history. Beckett introduces the topic by highlighting Mrs. Claus as an "unsung hero who holds the whole thing together from behind the scenes" (00:09). This introduction underscores the podcast’s commitment to bringing lesser-known historical figures into the spotlight.

Early Origins: From Saint Nicholas to Mrs. Claus

Jess Beckett takes the helm, tracing the origins of Santa Claus back to Saint Nicholas of Myra, a 4th-century bishop known for his generosity. Initially depicted as a bachelor, Santa’s transformation into the jovial figure we recognize today began with the Dutch tradition of Sinterklaas, which evolved into the modern Santa Claus around the time of the American Revolution (07:00).

The first mention of a wife for Santa appears in 1849 in a morality tale by James Reese, introducing Mrs. Claus as part of a narrative about kindness and familial support. However, she remained a peripheral figure without much detail about her personality or role (07:39).

Victorian Influence and Literary Expansion

Mrs. Claus began to gain more substance in the late 19th century. Harper’s Magazine in 1862 depicted her with "a dozen red petticoats," influenced by the Balmoral petticoat popularized by Queen Victoria’s family (07:55). This period emphasized her role in maintaining the household and supporting Santa.

A significant literary milestone was reached in 1879 with Lil's Travels in Santa Claus Land, where Mrs. Claus was portrayed as the keeper of the naughty and nice list. Beckett highlights a key passage:

“There was a lady sitting by a golden desk writing in a large book, and Santa Claus was looking through a great telescope. [...] ‘Put down a good mark for Sarah Buttermilk. I see she's trying to conquer her quick temper.’”
— Lil’s Travels in Santa Claus Land (07:55)

This depiction solidified her role in the administrative side of Santa’s operations, though she still lacked a defined personality.

Rise of a Stronger Persona: Katherine Lee Bates and Beyond

In 1889, Katherine Lee Bates, a notable professor and later lyricist for "America the Beautiful," infused Mrs. Claus with a stronger voice in Goody Santa Claus on a Sleigh Ride. Mrs. Claus challenges Santa’s sole prominence, advocating for recognition of her contributions:

“Why should you have all the glory of the joyous Christmas story and poor little Goody Santa Claus have nothing but the work.”
— Goody Santa Claus on a Sleigh Ride (08:44)

This pivotal moment marked a shift towards portraying Mrs. Claus as an essential and active participant in the Christmas narrative.

Mid-20th Century: Domestic Roles and Limited Agency

For the next eight decades, Mrs. Claus was often relegated to traditional domestic roles, embodying the "cult of domesticity." She was depicted as the caretaker of Santa and the elves, responsible for keeping Santa "darned and fed and cheered up" (08:44). Despite various names like Jessica, Anna, and Samantha, she remained largely nameless and backgrounded in most narratives.

Cinematic and Television Depictions: Expanding Her Role

The latter half of the 20th century and early 21st century saw Mrs. Claus gradually emerge as a more dynamic character in films and television:

• 1974’s The Year Without a Santa Claus: Mrs. Claus embarks on a quest to restore Christmas spirit when Santa decides to take a year off (08:44).

• 1996’s Mrs. Santa Claus: Portrayed by Angela Lansbury, she attempts to modernize Santa’s operations and becomes involved in the suffrage movement through a time-travel mishap (08:44).

• 2002’s The Santa Clause 2: The central plot revolves around Santa’s need to find a wife to preserve Christmas, giving Mrs. Claus her most prominent role yet (08:44).

• 2011’s Arthur Christmas: Imelda Staunton voices a highly capable Mrs. Claus who manages complex operations and handles familial challenges with grace and efficiency (08:44).

Beckett praises Staunton’s rendition, highlighting her portrayal as a "problem solver and peacekeeper," which significantly redefined Mrs. Claus’s image in popular culture (08:44).

Recent Developments and Modern Portrayals

In the podcast’s updates, Beckett discusses contemporary portrayals that continue to expand Mrs. Claus’s legacy:

• 2016’s Marks and Spencer Christmas Ad: Janet McTeer stars as a dynamic Mrs. Claus in an action-packed commercial that blends holiday magic with thrilling escapades, described as "a James Bond Thriller meets Mrs. Claus" (09:51).

• 2024’s Boots Christmas Ad: Featuring Joa Andoh, known for her role as Lady Danbury from Bridgerton, this ad showcases Mrs. Claus collaborating with "elf influencers" to ensure Christmas magic continues even as Santa takes a rest (09:51).

These modern interpretations present Mrs. Claus as an empowered and versatile figure, capable of leading and innovating within the festive tradition.

Conclusion: Celebrating Mrs. Claus's Journey

Jess Beckett concludes the historical journey by commending Mrs. Claus’s transformation from an obscure secondary character to a beloved and integral part of Christmas lore. From her early mentions in literature to her starring roles in contemporary media, Mrs. Claus has evolved into a symbol of resilience, creativity, and indispensable support. Beckett affirms:

“It’s been quite a journey for Mrs. Claus, from Anonymous to bookkeeper to hearth keeper to time traveler, diplomat, problem solver and Peacekeeper. Mrs. Claus, we salute you.”
— Jess Beckett (08:44)

Additional Highlights and Community Engagement

Towards the episode’s end, Beckett provides updates on recent Mrs. Claus portrayals and engages with the podcast community by promoting upcoming trips and expressing gratitude to listeners and moderators. Susan adds a personal touch, sharing details about their Philadelphia trip and thanking their online community for ongoing support (11:13).

Mrs. Claus’s herstory, as meticulously unpacked by The History Chicks, offers listeners a rich tapestry of cultural evolution, highlighting how a once-background figure has grown into a multifaceted icon. This episode not only celebrates her contributions but also invites listeners to appreciate the broader narratives of women's roles in shaping beloved traditions.

For those interested in exploring more depictions of Mrs. Claus, the hosts recommend visiting their Pinterest board, which is filled with diverse and creative interpretations of the character (13:21).

Notable Quotes:

1. Beckett on Mrs. Claus’s Evolution:
   “It’s been quite a journey for Mrs. Claus, from Anonymous to bookkeeper to hearth keeper to time traveler, diplomat, problem solver and Peacekeeper. Mrs. Claus, we salute you.”
   — Jess Beckett (08:44)

2. Beckett on 2016 Christmas Ad:
   “It’s almost like a James Bond Thriller meets Mrs. Claus. So it’s very good. She flies a helicopter. She’s kind of a bad aleck, and it actually made me cry at several points.”
   — Jess Beckett (09:51)

Timestamp References:

• 00:09: Hosts wish listeners happy holidays and introduce Mrs. Claus as the episode's focus.
• 07:00: Discussion on the origins of Santa Claus and early mentions of Mrs. Claus.
• 07:39: Introduction of Mrs. Claus in 1849 literature.
• 07:55: Victorian depiction of Mrs. Claus in Harper’s Magazine and her role in Lil's Travels in Santa Claus Land.
• 08:44: Katherine Lee Bates’s portrayal of Mrs. Claus and her evolving roles in media.
• 09:51: Updates on recent and notable portrayals of Mrs. Claus in commercials.
• 11:13: Susan discusses community engagement and upcoming events.
• 13:21: Beckett promotes the Pinterest board with Mrs. Claus depictions.

For more information and to access the commercials mentioned, listeners are encouraged to visit thehistorychicks.com.