Before Santa Was Jolly: Thomas Nast and the Making of Santa Claus Paperback – November 28, 2025

Before Santa was jolly… he was a story waiting to be drawn. You won't regret collecting this book.In this richly illustrated historical coloring book, author and educator Jason Hedden invites readers to step into the world of Thomas Nast, the 19th-century artist whose imagination shaped the modern Santa Claus.Travel from Old World legends of Saint Nicholas and Sinterklaas… to 1800s New York City… to the pages of Harper’s Weekly, where Nast drew more than thirty Santa illustrations that defined the holiday figure we know today.Packed with restored engravings, original line-art recreations, historical storytelling, timelines, maps, creative prompts, and activities, this book blends art, education, and Christmas magic. Readers will explore:How holiday traditions evolved in Europe and AmericaHow 19th-century engravers created illustrationsHow Nast invented Santa’s workshop, list, and North Pole homeHow Santa appeared during the Civil WarHow Santa traveled the world long before planes and moviesHow the jolly Santa we know today took shapePerfect for classrooms, families, art lovers, and holiday enthusiasts, Before Santa Was Jolly is more than a coloring book—it's a hands-on journey through American history, imagination, and the making of a beloved icon.Color. Learn. Remember. Celebrate Freedom. Read more