Norsk Santa

I always found the various cultural depictions of Santa interesting.

Misinformed as I am, the modern U.S. Santa was not created by Coca-Cola (although he fits their color brand nicely) but by Thomas Nast.

The Santa of Scandinavia is a modest man with skinny legs and what appears to be a beer belly who runs around in his underwear and a red hat - he, Tomte, is actually an elf and not always pleasant.

Design History of Santa

White Christmas

I spent my Christmas in a smaller town outside of Drammen, Norway which is about an hours drive west of Oslo. I have not seen as much snow falling since I drove from San Jose to Minneapolis during a blizzard (not so smart).

The totals in the area were about 50~60 cm (19~24 inches). Almost got stuck going up a steep incline.

The roads through the mountains reminded me of touge and I if I could have it, it would have been a lot of fun to rally.

Merry Present Day

Since the holidays are more a consumer affair it seems these days, I wish you all a Merry Present Day.

I found special Christmas Beer at the store – some Santa Clausthaler. Don’t ask me how it tastes. They also have Christmas Soda – not so bad.