Santa Claus Internet Jokes (a Latvian study)

Guntis Pakalns, who is senior researcher, Dr.philol. at the Archives of Latvian Folklore, Institute for Literature, Folklore and Art at University of Latvia, has collated a unique and very extensive collection of Christmas-related humorous images and video clips found on the Internet. Dr. Pakalns outlines his project thus:

“The central part of the article is devoted to a brief overview of the most characteristic groups of the jokes (with links to the images, video and descriptions of the traditions): Santa Claus as the bringer of presents, his trip from the north-land and his friend Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, arrival through the chimney, different other persons wearing Santa’s hat (politicians, terrorists, women, animals, etc.), Santa’s sexuality, drunken Santa, Santa murdered/killed, etc.”

Visual Jokes about Christmas and Santa Claus on the Internet – Why and Why not? is available in full, free of charge, courtesy of the journal Folklore, vol.50, 2012.

NOTE: Some of the images in the paper may not be are very probably not suitable for those with a sensitive disposition towards Santa Claus.

On the other hand, as the author puts it : “ … maybe we do not need to study and explain everything, maybe even a scholar has the right to simply enjoy these jokes … So, Merry Christmas!”