Santa Claus, the jolly man in red, is known for his iconic “Ho Ho Ho!” But have you ever wondered why he uses this particular exclamation? While the origins of many Santa Claus traditions are well-documented, the history of his signature laugh is surprisingly obscure. Let’s delve into the fascinating history of why Santa says “Ho Ho Ho.”
The Mystery of Santa’s Laugh: When Did “Ho Ho Ho” Begin?
While many articles discuss why Santa says “Ho Ho Ho” (suggesting it represents general merriment as opposed to mocking laughter like “Ha Ha Ha”), few explore when it became his trademark. The 19th century, the era of Dickens, offers little evidence of Santa using this jolly expression. Interestingly, depictions of goblins and other mischievous creatures using “Ho Ho Ho” do appear, as evidenced in Dickens’ The Pickwick Papers. However, this seems to be more of a coincidence than a direct connection to Santa’s later adoption of the phrase.
Early Clues: Kris Kringle and a 1867 Christmas Song
A more intriguing clue emerges from an 1867 song titled “The Christmas Tree, or Kris Kringle.” This song features Kris Kringle, described as Santa’s helper, riding a reindeer sleigh and laughing “Oh ho, Oh ho, ho, ho, ho, ho, ho, ho, ho, ho.” While not the exact “Ho Ho Ho” we know today, this repetitive “ho” sound suggests a possible precursor to Santa’s famous chuckle.
Santa’s “Ho Ho Ho” in the Early 20th Century
By the early 20th century, “Ho Ho Ho” started appearing more frequently in association with Santa Claus, particularly the American version of the character. A 1911 edition of Teachers Magazine includes a play featuring Santa with the line: “Ha! Ha! Ha! Ho! Ho! Ho! How is your health, I’d like to know?” This demonstrates a transition period where the laugh was still evolving.
“Santa Claus and the Mouse”: A Potential Turning Point
The earliest known instance of Santa unequivocally saying “Ho Ho Ho” appears in the children’s story “Santa Claus and the Mouse.” Published in various forms throughout the early 20th century, this story presents a possible origin point for Santa’s iconic laugh. One version, from a 1905 edition of Primary Education, features a mouse saying “Ho! Ho! Ho!” However, a 1908 version attributes the phrase to Santa himself. Despite variations in the story, the prevalence of “Ho Ho Ho” in numerous reprints suggests its significance in shaping the popular image of Santa.
The Legacy of “Ho Ho Ho”: Cementing a Christmas Tradition
While “Santa Claus and the Mouse” lacks the fame of classics like “The Night Before Christmas,” its widespread publication in the early 20th century likely influenced generations of children. The story, with its various versions of Santa’s “Ho Ho Ho,” may have played a pivotal role in establishing this jolly laugh as a core element of the Santa Claus persona we know and love today. The enduring popularity of “Ho Ho Ho” serves as a testament to the power of storytelling and its impact on shaping cultural traditions.
Conclusion: A Laugh That Echoes Through Time
The exact origin of Santa’s “Ho Ho Ho” remains somewhat mysterious. However, evidence suggests that the phrase gained traction in the early 20th century, possibly solidified by the widespread publication of the children’s story “Santa Claus and the Mouse.” While we may never definitively pinpoint the first utterance of Santa’s iconic laugh, its enduring presence in Christmas celebrations worldwide ensures that this jolly sound will continue to echo through time, bringing joy to generations to come.
