Including costume and equipment, weigh at least 120 kilograms.

Official Santa Clauses are certified by organizations such as the Greenland International Santa Claus Association in Denmark. One of the application requirements is to weigh at least 120 kilograms while wearing the costume. This is to preserve the image of Santa Claus and not disappoint children’s expectations. Note that neither beard length nor a reindeer-handling permit is required.

Warring States period

It is said that Christmas was first celebrated in Japan in 1552 during the Sengoku period. Christianity was introduced by Jesuit missionaries such as Francis Xavier, and the first Mass was held in Yamaguchi Prefecture. During the Edo period, Christianity was banned, and Christmas ceased to be celebrated in Japan for a time. Later, in the Meiji era, Christmas began to spread. It’s interesting that a culture introduced from abroad during the Sengoku period has become part of modern Japanese customs.

Apple

The ornament balls hung on Christmas trees were originally modeled after apples. Long ago, in reference to the story of Adam and Eve, apples—the “forbidden fruit”—were hung on trees. However, because fresh apples became hard to obtain during the cold European winters, round glass decorations were created instead, and these have been passed down as the ornament balls we know today. In this way, many Christmas decorations are closely tied to religion and history.

Jingle Bells

The correct answer is “Jingle Bells.” “Jingle Bells” is a classic Christmas song composed in the United States in 1857 and is widely loved in Japan as well. It was originally released under the title “One Horse Open Sleigh,” but the phrase “jingle bells” in the lyrics left a strong impression and became established as the song’s title. It is a standard children’s song that many people—from kids to seniors—sing while enjoying Christmas around the world.

fir tree

Fir trees are commonly used for Christmas trees. As evergreens, firs do not shed their leaves in winter and remain green, so they are seen as symbols of “eternal life” and “hope.” For this reason, they have long been used for Christmas decorations, especially in Europe. In Japan as well, they are a familiar staple of Christmas illuminations.

family

In the United States, it’s traditional to spend Christmas with family. In Japan, many people spend it with a partner or friends, but in the U.S., even family members who live far away gather for the day, share a festive meal, exchange gifts, and strengthen family bonds. TV shows and movies also often portray families spending Christmas together.

Japan

Christmas gifts consisting of sweets packed into a boot-shaped container are actually unique to Japan. In the West, there is a custom of putting presents in stockings or boots, but the style of selling sweets packed in a boot-shaped container originated in Japan. It reflects uniquely Japanese ingenuity—its fun appearance that delights children, convenience, and suitability as a gift. Today, it’s loved as a classic Christmas item.