Patrick Courrielche
In 2015, Courrielche wrote a long form story "St. Nicholas: The Birth Of A Social Weapon" on the origin of Santa Claus and introduced the concept of a "social weapon" - a packaged idea, message, or product that is used by an individual or group to advance their cause. Courrielche argued that New York City elites crafted Santa Claus from St. Nicholas, a widely known patron saint, to stabilize a city plagued by annual misbehavior every December. Santa Claus was then used as a "social weapon" by merchants, craftsman, city rulers, parents, newspapers, and others to benefit their endeavors. The essay was added to the St. Nicholas Center's resource on the Origin of Santa Claus.
Pancho Claus
According to the tradition, Pancho Claus hails from the South Pole rather than the North Pole, and is sometimes described as Santa's southern "cousin". Pancho Claus differs from Santa Claus principally by attire, wearing outfits commonly associated with Hispanic culture such as a sombrero and poncho or serape, and often favoring a black or salt-and-pepper beard rather than the white beard of Santa. Instead of reindeer pulling his sled, Pancho is sometimes depicted with a cart and a draft team of burros. In West Texas, Pancho Claus is sometimes referred to as Pancho Clos to further distinguish him from his North Pole counterpart.