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.
Santa Claus Anonymous
Santa Claus Anonymous, Inc is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and a long time, Baltimore City based charity that provides gift certificates to families in Baltimore City and seven neighboring counties in Maryland during the holiday season. The organization was founded in 1934 by Theodore McKeldin, Baltimore mayor in 1943 and 1963. The organization is one of the few charities in the Baltimore–Washington metropolitan area that relies on the Christmas Spirirt of generosity, abundance, and joy to raise money.