Who is the future of Santa?
In a world where we strive to be less judgmental and more socially aware, the idea of a strange man spying on children and designating them as “naughty or nice” just doesn’t resonate like it used to.
Santa Claus is in desperate need of a rebrand. Below, check out our 3 concepts to bring Santa into the 21st century. And then vote for your favorite at the end.
Concept 1
Hygge Santa
Taking that warm and fuzzy holiday feeling to a new level.
Although this Santa maintains their classic red suit and sleigh, they prioritize delivering rest and peace over gifts and gadgets.
Hygge Santa opts to work from home whenever possible, adopting a four-day workweek for themself and the elves. And they never check email when they’re not working. Nostalgic, calm, and non-judgemental, this Santa is sure to appeal to open-minded traditionalists, self-care enthusiasts, grind-culture opponents, decaf tea drinkers, and anyone who craves being cozy.
SIGNATURE ACCESSORIES
Sleigh seat warmer
Extra fluffy slippers
Weighted blanket
FAVORITE ON-THE-JOB SNACK
Hot cocoa
Risengrod (rice pudding)
Chicken soup
POTENTIAL BRAND COLLABS
Celestial Seasonings
Tombolo
KonMari
Bookshop.org
Concept 2
High-Tech, Low-Impact Santa
Santa is going green—and we’re not talking about the color of her suit.
With the polar ice caps melting, climate change is personal for today’s Santa. So she’s using her magical powers and the latest technology to help restore balance to the world’s ecosystems.
Expect gifts made of recycled materials, thrifted finds, and refurbished goodies wrapped in the latest biodegradables. She’s also a sucker for the latest green gadgets, and uses AI to scan letters to Santa (so if your gift isn’t quite what you asked for, that may be why). And, if you were naughty, you can expect a mini wind turbine in your stocking instead of coal.
SIGNATURE ACCESSORIES
Mycelium and hemp coat
Apple watch
FAVORITE ON-THE-JOB SNACK
Kombucha
Small batch cold brew
Green juice
POTENTIAL BRAND COLLABS
Patagonia
Silicon Valley Bank (too soon?)
Boxed Water
NOAA
Concept 3
Common Claus
We are all Santa.
What’s better than one Santa? A whole crew of them. These Santas are united around a common claus, um, cause: taking traditional Santa’s collaboration with his elves and reindeer to a whole new level. Yes, we’re democratizing the concept of Santa.
These Santas come in all shapes, sizes, colors, genders—and from all localities. They’re also ready to adapt to every geography so that they can spread holiday cheer and joy around the world to all. They are Santas everyone can identify with.
SIGNATURE ACCESSORIES
A smile
Fanny pack
FAVORITE ON-THE-JOB SNACK
Snacks from the corner store
Local beer
Whatever you’re making
POTENTIAL BRAND COLLABS
Ben & Jerry’s
IKEA
Expedia
Duolingo