Most everyone knows the form of Santa, but could it be that Ganesha (who has been worshipped by Hindus thousands of years before western religions were ever created) was the original prototype? Let us look at some of the amazing similarities:
The Name: Santa is a Sanskrit word meaning peace. All the MahaDevas (Great Spiritual-Beings) of Hinduism have several forms and numerous names denoting their various characteristics. Ganesha is called Santaya or the (Saint) bringer of the gift of peace. In Sanskrit, Nikila refers to the Deity of All. mmmm...Saint Nikila! Ganesha or Ganapati means Deity of the elements. Just like Santa driving his earthy animal team, Ganesha's rope/reins (upper left hand) signifies "reining in" or controlling the earth elements and animal senses. Ringing (sleigh) bells is always done to invoke Ganesha's presence. Ganesha is always accompanied by his little mouse (Mushika) ... not a creature was stirring not even a mouse!
Birthplace: Ganesha is the son of Siva and their abode is on the world's highest, snowy peaks, the Himalayas (The North Pole?). The colors of the Saivites (followers of Siva) are red and white! In the worlds most ancient scriptures the Vedas of the Hindus, Ganesha is called Brihaspati or Hindu Deity of Speech and the primal sound (repeated 3x's) Om, Om, Om (Ho, Ho, Ho?).
Celebration: The original (and still observed) celebration called Markali Pilliyar (the Divine Child) lasts from middle December to the middle of January. This time of year has always been for the children (or the child within everyone). I believe! Hindus often have visions (and visions of sugar plums danced in their head) of Ganesha as the Divine Child (Bala Ganesha) and the Dancer (Nritya Ganapati). Hindu children especially love Ganesha. The modern festival of Pancha Ganapati focuses on his five shakti's (powers of harmony): family, friends, business associates, culture and Love of the Divine--isn't this what the modern seasonal festivals are all about? At this festive time, Hindu homes and Temples are decked with boughs of (Holly) various greenery.
The Form: There is an immediate resemblance: plumb belly; cheerful look; rosy cheeks; gentle eyes; big ears (to listen to all those wish lists, while sitting on his throne); and could the beard have replaced the trunk? Santaya gives a gift of little white sweet cookies (made with milk!) To add to the fun, why do you think he has bare feet? As Vigneshvara, he is the remover of obstacles (the upper right hand implement), and he knows (or has a list) his devotees past and future (He knows when you've been good or bad ... He's mak'in a list, checking it twice...). As Ekatantaya, he has one broken tusk (which he, of course, uses to write).
More Symbols: From, The Night Before Christmas: His mouth was drawn up like a bow (look at an elephants mouth) The stump of a pipe (His tusk) he held tight in his teeth, and the smoke, it encircled his head like a wreath (incense is always burnt which curls around the image). He had a broad face (naturally) and a round little belly (indeed) that shook, when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly. He was chubby and plump (we love Him that way!) and a right jolly elf (a beloved Deity to all Hindus and head of ganas, the elemental elfs). And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself. (Anyone who has ever attend Ganesha puja (worship) knows the laughter and immense feelings of good will.) A wink of his eye, and a twist of his head, soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread. (Ganesha's lower right hand is held in Abhya Mudra meaning have no fear.) And laying his finger aside of his nose, and giving a nod, up the chimney he rose. Ganesha is the Deity of the first Chakra (spiritual center) at the base of the spine (the chimney within). In Hindu/Yoga practices, we place a finger aside the nose and deeply breath (pranayama) and awareness up the "chimney" arose! Happy Pancha Ganapati to all, and to all a Good-night!