Editing Father Christmas (section)

==== 18th century—low profile ====
Father Christmas's presence waned in the 18th century as interest in Christmas customs diminished. While he remained a symbolic figure of festive cheer, earlier associations with misrule disappeared. Plays and pamphlets, such as ''The Country Squire'' (1732) and ''Round About Our Coal Fire'' (1734), lamented the decline of hospitality and celebration, contrasting the past generosity of "Squire Christmas" with contemporary stinginess.

David Garrick’s 1774 production of ''A Christmas Tale'' featured a personified Christmas lamenting his diminished status:

''"I, English hearts rejoic'd in days of yore; / for new strange modes, imported by the score, / You will not sure turn Christmas out of door!"''