Editing Father Christmas (section)

=== 17th century—Father Christmas speaks ===
In the aftermath of the English Civil War, Father Christmas gained prominence in satirical and allegorical literature. In John Taylor's 1652 pamphlet, ''The Vindication of Christmas'', Father Christmas is depicted as an old, bearded man dressed in a brimmed hat, an open robe, and undersleeves. He laments his misfortune in arriving in a "headlesse countrey" (a reference to the execution of Charles I). Despite hardships, he remains defiant:

''"But welcome or not welcome, I am come...."''

The pamphlet concludes with Father Christmas encouraging celebration:

''"Lets dance and sing, and make good chear, / For Christmas comes but once a year."''

In 1658, Josiah King's ''The Examination and Tryall of Old Father Christmas'' introduced the term 'Father Christmas,' portraying him as a white-haired old man on trial during the Commonwealth period. Defended by his counsel against accusations of promoting excess, Father Christmas was acquitted, symbolizing resistance to the Puritan suppression of festivities.

==== Restoration revival ====
Following the 1660 Restoration of the monarchy, Christmas traditions, including Father Christmas, were revived. Josiah King's reissued pamphlet in 1678 described a rejuvenated Father Christmas, emphasizing his cheerful and benevolent appearance:

''"His cherry cheeks appeared through his thin milk white locks, like blushing Roses vail'd with snow white Tiffany ... the true Emblem of Joy and Innocence."''

Samuel Pepys collected the ballad ''Old Christmass Returnd,'' celebrating the revival of feasting:

''"Old Christmass is come for to keep open house / He scorns to be guilty of starving a mouse, / Then come boyes and welcome, for dyet the chief / Plumb pudding, Goose, Capon, minc't pies & Roast beef."''

==== 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!"''

==== Father Christmas in folk plays ====
By the late 18th century, Father Christmas became a central figure in folk plays, particularly the mummers plays of Southern England and Wales. In these plays, he delivered ritual opening speeches reminiscent of Taylor's 1652 work:

''"Here comes I, old Father Christmas, welcome or welcome not, / I hope old Father Christmas will never be forgot. / Old Father Christmas appear[s] but once a year, / He looks like an old man of fourscore year."''

These performances cemented Father Christmas’s role as a traditional figure of festive merriment, bridging the 17th-century allegories with the growing folkloric traditions.