Editing Father Christmas (section)

==== Puritan criticisms ====
In the early 17th century, writers used personification and allegory to defend Christmas against the attacks of radical Protestants. These criticisms arose from concerns over the perceived decline in Christmas hospitality provided by the gentry. In his 1616 ''Christmas, His Masque,'' Ben Jonson portrayed Old Christmas as an outdated figure:

''"attir'd in round Hose, long Stockings, a close Doublet, a high crownd Hat with a Broach, a long thin beard, a Truncheon, little Ruffes, white shoes, his Scarffes, and Garters tyed crosse."''

Old Christmas, accompanied by guards, protested against his exclusion:

''"Why Gentlemen, doe you know what you doe? ha! would you ha'kept me out? Christmas, old Christmas? Christmas of London, and Captaine Christmas? ... they would not let me in: I must come another time! ... I am old Gregorie Christmas still, and though I come out of Popes-head-alley as good a Protestant, as any i'my Parish."''

Similarly, Thomas Nabbes’ 1638 court masque ''The Springs Glorie'' featured Christmas as "an old reverend Gentleman in a furr'd gown and cappe." In this allegory, Christmas disputes precedence with Shrovetide, declaring his role as "the King of good cheere and feasting." These representations of Christmas personifications laid the groundwork for later depictions of Father Christmas.