Backstory: Department Store Santas

When the first department store Santa appeared in 1890, it wasn't just a cross section of Christmas and commerce. It was also a major step in the evolution of Santa Claus.Fun LinksFirst Department Store Santa: The Web site created by John Merian, who appears in this episodeEventually Supertrain: The Web site for Daniel Budnick, who shares a Christmas memory on the showMusic from this episode“Thannoid” — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive“Are We Loose Yet” — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free ...