Published by William B. Gilley in 1821, “The Children’s Friend. Number III. A New-Year’s Present to the Little Ones from Five to Twelve”, is believed to be the first book published in America to include lithographic illustrations. This book includes a poem about “Santeclaus” along with eight colored illustrations.
However, what makes this book significant is the poem and illustrations are thought to be the earliest known visual representation of Santa Claus in a sleigh pulled by reindeer. The poem also marks Santa’s first appearance on Christmas Day rather than December 6, the feast day of St. Nicholas.
The Children’s Friend. Number III.
A New-Year’s Present to the Little Ones from Five to Twelve
by William B. Gilley, 1821
Old Santeclaus with much delight
His reindeer drives this frosty night.
O’er chimney tops, and tracks of snow,
To bring his yearly gifts to you.
The steady friend of virtuous youth,
The friend of duty, and of truth,
Each Christmas eve he joys to come
Where love and peace have made their home”
Through many houses he has been,
And various beds and stockings seen,
Some, white as snow, and neatly mended,
Others, that seem’d for pigs intended.
Where e’er I found good girls or boys,
That hated quarrels, strife and noise,
Left an apple, or a tart,
Or wooden gun, or painted cart;
To some I gave a pretty doll,
To some a peg-top, or a ball;
No crackers, cannons, squibs, or rockets,
To blow their eyes up, or their pockets.
No drums to stun their Mother’s ear,
Nor swords to make their sisters fear;
But pretty books to store their mind
With knowledge of each various kind.
But where I found the children naughty,
In manners rude, in temper haughty,
Thankless to parents, liars, swearers,
Boxers, or cheats, or base tale-bearers,
I left a long, black, birchen rod,
Such as the dread command of God
Directs a Parent’s hand to use
When virtue’s path his sons refuse
Will Ferrell reacts to 'Elf' footage appearing in Asda Christmas advert (exclusive)
By -
Source = Yahoo Entertainment
Date - 17-11-20222
Will Ferrell has joked that this year's Asda Christmas advert, which uses footage from festive classic comedy Elf, finally helped him 'get paid market value' for the movie.
The advert splices footage from the 2003 Jon Favreau film — which topped Yahoo's list of the best Christmas films of the 21st century — into newly shot scenes in the supermarket.
Asda enlisted the help of special effects maestros Framestore to seamlessly incorporate memorable Elf moments into the advert.
Speaking to Yahoo UK to promote his new film Spirited, Ferrell said: "Well, it kinda helped me finally get paid market value for when I shot Elf."
The star revealed he had seen the finished advert and said he thought the incorporation of the old footage was 'well done'.
But when asked whether he might return to the green suit for a return to the character, the actor said the ship has sailed.
"No, I think that would look strange. A 55-year-old man running around in tights. I think Elf is its own entity," said Ferrell.
The actor's Spirited co-star Octavia Spencer suggested that there could be a way for it to happen, saying: "Unless you take on the Santa [role] and crown a new elf. Don't close the door. We're not closing the door."
Ferrell responded that "the door is ajar", with Spencer saying it's open "a small crack".