Origin of the story element of coming down chimneys

[CensoredAlso]

An A&E documentary on Santa Claus says the author of "Twas the Night Before Christmas", Clement Moore, introduced the concept of Santa coming down the chimney into popular culture. But that Moore probably didn't come up with the idea himself. It's likely a story that was passed down from different countries over many years. Some sources seem to say it came from Dutch stories.

Also, in early interpretations of America's Santa Claus, he is described as a much smaller, almost elf like person. Later on he was drawn by artists as a large character (particularly in Coca Cola ads).

 

[salemfan]

The site is I-mockery- the stores are BS. If you honestly believe this stuff is true read the entry on the origin of Santa's reindeer.

I read the entry about Santa's reindeer, yes, the stories on I-mockery are barbecue sauce.

 

[MartyMuppets]

I read the entry about Santa's reindeer, yes, the stories on I-mockery are barbecue sauce.

Can I please have some of that barbecue sauce to pour over my sausages and chips?

 

[BEAR]

teenintosesame,

The name of the book is "Christmas Tree-via". Something like that. Sorry it took so long to respond. I don't know where our book is.

 

[salemfan]

As for why the Big Bad Wolf came down the chimney in The Three Little Pigs, it is similar to the Roadrunner cartoons, so the artist may have made it that the third little pig specifically built that chimney big enough for somebody to climb down as a trap to trick the wolf because unlike his brothers he was sensitive that there was a wolf relentlessly trying to capture the little pigs and the third little pig knew what the trap was. In many later versions the artist was thinking the third little pig took his time and built a strong house (with a fireplace as a wolf trap) not only for him but also because of his brothers not knowing what the wolf's trap is. This could be a clear idea of my interpretation:

This House Contains a Predator Trap. Here's How To Use it:
You yourself are the bait. Lock your doors. It is too strong for your predator to blow down, so he (or she) will say, "I must think of another plan..." and notice the chimney is large enough to fit down. When the predator tries to climb down the chimney, light the fireplace. He'll burn his bottom and never bother you again.