"Shortly after its publication 150 years ago, The Night Before Christmas spawned dozens of copiously illustrated hand- and paper-bound versions of its charming tale. And Santa lovers collected as many versions as possible. And the Jolly Old Elf, initially depicted by Thomas Nast, soon took on a more expansive life, which was merrily featured in companion volumes. Santa, in other words, was no longer fettered to his December 24th ride through the sky, but was illustrated at work with his elves, relaxing by the fire with Mrs. Claus, and even taking vacations in the South."
~ Country Living COUNTRY CHRISTMAS, Hearst Books, 1990. (Note: that would make it over 170 years ago.)
Santa artist: Florence Sarah Winship ~ only a few surviving pages of The Night Before Christmas. Circa: 40's (?)