Santa Sasquatch

Happy Holidays 2019

Pretty much everyone in North America knows a jolly ol’ figure dressed in white and red that goes lurking around our houses at Christmas committing some light b-and-e to leave gifts behind. Santa Claus is one of the most famous beings from folklore out there.

This joy-filled creature is one of the most loved beings of the western world’s winter season, especially by lucky little kids that get to open up nicely-wrapped gifts on Christmas morning. But what is this creature that we call Good Ol’ Saint Nick?

Is Santa Claus a Cryptid?

Before you start laughing hysterically at the idea that Santa Claus is a cryptid, really think for a moment about the similarities between him and other cryptids like Sasquatch. It might surprise you how many there are.

Both Santa Claus and Sasquatch are backed by legends and folklore older than anyone alive that have been passed down for ages. Stories that will remain consistent far after we’re all gone.

Like Sasquatch, Santa Claus cannot be seen or easily tracked—Google’s Santa Tracker does not count. We tell our children that Santa stalks around delivering gifts every Christmas, then mark some of them with his name on it to keep the story alive.

Not to mention, much like other cryptid, Sasquatch included, Santa Claus makes a distinct, recognizable sound. And, I’m not sure if it’s relevant, but he’s described as being hairy—which also seems to be common ground.
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Now, is Santa Claus really a cryptid? Technically a cryptid is defined as an animal or other creature that’s been claimed to exist but never proven. So, it’s possible. However, there is also a decent theory that Santa is a Tulpa instead—something that’s created through spiritual or mental powers, like a collective manifestation.

Similarities Between Sasquatch and Santa ClausBut at the end of the day, we can probably all agree that Santa Claus is not technically a cryptid because he’s not real. Sorry to spoil any existing children’s fantasy, but unlike the Tim Allen franchise, the real Saint Nicholas passed away a long time ago and we’ve simply carried on the legend.
The similarities between Sasquatch and Santa Clause go beyond the stuff of folklore and tales though, there are similarities between how we as a collective body see the two creatures.

Santa Claus is known for bringing joy and excitement to both children and adults alike. Sasquatch, on the other hand, provides people with wonder, a sense of adventure and the idea that something is out there that we can discover if we just look for the signs.

Beyond the feelings that both bring, they’re also both tied heavily to the economy. According to the World Economic Forum, Americans were poised to spend over $1 Trillion on Christmas in 2019, including everything from gifts and decorations to food and other goods.

While Sasquatch isn’t worth quite that much to the economy, in our Pacific Northwest feature we discussed how the mysterious and shy cryptid makes a specific impact on the ghost tourism economy.

The thing about both Sasquatch and Santa Claus is that they’re worth something to us economically because they provide us with something that is far more valuable—the spirit of belief. We might not be able to prove their existence, but they’ve certainly found a place in our hearts.

So, if you find yourself looking for something to give the Sasquatch enthusiast in your life this Christmas, stop by the Syndicate’s shop and pick up a fashionable t-shirt because everyone needs a little adventure in their life.

What do Sasquatch and Santa Claus mean to you?

Drop your thoughts in the comments below!
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BELIEVE

By, Tae Haahr
Research Writer - Sasquatch Syndicate Inc.