All rights reserved. © 2025
NPR & PBS for South Texas (361) 855-2213
DONATE
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
PBS News Hour

How the traditions of Santa Claus evolved over centuries

Episode 359 | 5m 44s

This Christmas, many children welcomed a familiar visitor – a jolly man in a red suit and a sleigh full of gifts. But the bearded figure Americans recognize today as Santa Claus is a relatively modern creation, shaped over centuries by folklore, art and evolving tradition. Stephanie Sy reports. And a warning for parents and younger viewers: this story contains some spoilers about Santa Claus.

Major corporate funding for the PBS News Hour is provided by BDO, BNSF, Consumer Cellular, American Cruise Lines, and Raymond James. Funding for the PBS NewsHour Weekend is provided by Consumer Cellular and Cunard Cruise Line. For a complete list of funders for the PBS NewsHour and PBS NewsHour weekend, click here.
Extras
Watch • 2:13
Nature
Brotherhood of Giants
Male elephants form powerful bonds — and even become adoptive parents together.
Clip: S44 E5 | 2:13
Watch • 2:56
Nature
How Elephants Learn to Mate
In Amboseli, one male’s opportunity attracts rivals — and the attention of watching juveniles.
Clip: S44 E5 | 2:56
Watch • 2:27
Nature
How Invisible Borders Put Elephants at Risk
Esau’s journey spans borders that elephants cannot see — but must obey.
Clip: S44 E5 | 2:27
Watch • 0:30
Nature
Preview of Tusker: Brotherhood of Elephants
Follow the complex lives of giant elephant bulls in Amboseli and Mount Kilimanjaro.
Preview: S44 E5 | 0:30
Watch • 1:32
Arthur
Dear D.W.
tba
Clip: 1:32
Watch • 55:39
Amanpour and Company
December 26, 2025
Lyse Doucet; Matthew McConaughey; Christina Cross
Episode: E8063 | 55:39
Watch • 55:46
Amanpour and Company
December 25, 2025
Christiana Figueres; Katy Hessel; Jacob Collier
Episode: E8062 | 55:46
Watch • 3:36
PBS News Hour
News Wrap: Zelenskyy speaks with U.S. peace negotiators
News Wrap: Zelenskyy says he had 'good conversation' with U.S. negotiators on peace plan
Clip: E359 | 3:36
Watch • 2:39
PBS News Hour
Rain drenches Southern California with more storms coming
Torrential rains drench Southern California with more storms on the way
Clip: E359 | 2:39
Watch • 57:46
PBS News Hour
December 25, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
December 25, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
Episode: E359 | 57:46
Latest Episodes
Watch • 57:46
PBS News Hour
December 25, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
December 25, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
Episode: E359 | 57:46
Watch • 57:46
PBS News Hour
December 24, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
December 24, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
Episode: E358 | 57:46
Watch • 57:46
PBS News Hour
December 23, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
December 23, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
Episode: E357 | 57:46
Watch • 57:46
PBS News Hour
December 22, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
December 22, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
Episode: E356 | 57:46
Watch • 26:45
PBS News Hour
December 21, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode
December 21, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode
Episode: E355 | 26:45
Watch • 26:45
PBS News Hour
December 20, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode
December 20, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode
Episode: E354 | 26:45
Watch • 57:46
PBS News Hour
December 19, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
December 19, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
Episode: E353 | 57:46
Watch • 57:46
PBS News Hour
December 18, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
December 18, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
Episode: E352 | 57:46
Watch • 57:46
PBS News Hour
December 17, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
December 17, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
Episode: E351 | 57:46
Watch • 57:46
PBS News Hour
December 16, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
December 16, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
Episode: E350 | 57:46