The History of Santa Claus's Weight Transformation
When did early American author Washington Irving exaggerate Santa's waistline?
Early American author Washington Irving was one of the first to exaggerate Santa's waistline. He substituted an obese elf clothed in typical Dutch garb for the thin St. Nicholas and his episcopal vestments in an 1809 book. He did indeed appear scary.
Answer:
Washington Irving exaggerated Santa's waistline in 1809.
Washington Irving, in his 1809 book, was one of the first to exaggerate Santa's waistline by depicting him as an obese elf clothed in typical Dutch garb. This marked a significant shift in the portrayal of Santa Claus, moving away from the traditional image of a thin St. Nicholas in episcopal vestments.
Irving's depiction of Santa Claus paved the way for the modern interpretation of the character as a jolly, overweight figure with a white beard and red suit. Over time, this image became synonymous with the holiday season and has been embraced by popular culture worldwide.