It's a busy day for Santa's Head Elf at his Main Post Office. Between now and Christmas, 30,000 letters will arrive daily for the jolly man in the red suit.¹

Today is Santa's List Day, when he makes his list of nice and naughty children.² Good kids get presents. And according to tradition, wicked boys and girls get a lump of coal.

This myth has origins in European folklore. A kindly Saint Nicholas gave gifts, and a beast called Krampus punished the ill-behaved. Nicholas was a 4th-Century bishop famous for his generosity. Krampus has paganSpiritual beliefs other than those of the main or recognised religions. Often used in a historical context. roots.

Then, in 1823, Clement Clarke Moore wrote "A Visit from St. Nicholas". The poem turned the saint into a "jolly old elf" with a sleigh and reindeer.³

Now, Santa has turned to politics. Last year, a man named Santa Claus ran for Congress. Thomas O'Connor grew a beard, changed his name and moved to North Pole, Alaska. He calls himself a democratic socialistA term used to describe a range of beliefs that stress collective control of economic processes. In the USA, it usually refers to a group of people who think that the USA ought to be more like European countries, offering universal healthcare, a higher minimum wage, and stronger workers' rights..⁴

But Republicans say the real Santa would vote for them. He values hard work and rewards based on merit - ideas linked to right-wing politics.

"He's a white, older male running a ruralRelating to the countryside rather than the town., non-unionised, faith-based small business," says Republican Bruce Mehlman.⁵ "It don't get much more Republican than that!"

The conservative Rush Limbaugh disagreed.⁶ "In a nation of children," he said, "Santa Claus wins." He accused Democratic President Obama of behaving like Father Christmas, giving voters presents instead of rewarding "hard work".

And leftwing politicians embrace Saint Nick. Jeremy Corbyn donned the red coat on national television.⁷ An opinion poll found the UK thought Santa would vote Green.⁸

Is his suit a clue? The red flag is a symbol of socialism and communismThe system of organising society so that all property is owned by the community and everyone receives things according to their needs. . The Labour Party anthem is The Red Flag. But in the US, red is the colour of the conservative Republican party.

Some think Santa wears red because of Coca-Cola adverts from the 1930s. In fact, the 1860s cartoonist Thomas Nast chose the colour and also made Santa a defender of the Union in the American Civil WarA war fought from 1861 to 1865 between the slave states of the South and the free states of the North, after the former seceded from the Union..⁹

After Christmas, Santa may look to 2024: A US presidential election and (almost certainly) a UK general election. Every vote counts and politicians of all colours will want his support.

Yes: Father Christmas cares for all children, rich or poor. He gives away presents for nothing in return. He travels by eco-friendly reindeer-powered sleigh and wishes a Merry Christmas to one and all.

No: Santa is a Tory. He believes in tradition and family values. He runs a multinational business from his tax haven at the North Pole, exploiting cheap elf labour to undercut local myths and legends.

Or... Like the King, Santa must be politically neutral. Prime ministers come and go, but Santa goes on delivering presents. Besides, as a North Pole resident, it is unclear whether he is eligible to vote.

Pagan - Spiritual beliefs other than those of the main or recognised religions. Often used in a historical context.

Socialist - A term used to describe a range of beliefs that stress collective control of economic processes. In the USA, it usually refers to a group of people who think that the USA ought to be more like European countries, offering universal healthcare, a higher minimum wage, and stronger workers' rights.

Rural - Relating to the countryside rather than the town.

Communism - The system of organising society so that all property is owned by the community and everyone receives things according to their needs.

American Civil War - A war fought from 1861 to 1865 between the slave states of the South and the free states of the North, after the former seceded from the Union.