The Enduring Magic of Department Store Christmas Characters
A Nostalgic Journey
Christmas is a time for cherished traditions, and for many, the beloved characters created by department stores hold a special place in their hearts. From Mr. Jingeling to Uncle Mistletoe, these figures have become synonymous with the holiday season.
The Birth of Department Store Characters
The advent of multistory department stores in the late 19th century transformed the retail landscape. These colossal emporiums offered a wide array of goods and became destinations in and of themselves. To attract customers, department stores began creating unique characters who embodied the spirit of the holiday season.
In the 1920s, Billie the Brownie emerged as the first known department store character, gracing the pages of Schuster’s newspaper advertisements. Soon after, he became a local radio star and a fixture in the store’s Christmas parade.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: A Retail Phenomenon
One of the most iconic Christmas characters of all time, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, has its roots in the retail industry. Created by Robert L. May for Montgomery Ward in 1939, Rudolph was initially featured in coloring books distributed to children. The character’s distinctive red nose, once a source of ridicule, ultimately became his greatest asset, guiding Santa’s sleigh through a foggy Christmas Eve.
The Golden Age of Department Store Characters
The 1950s marked the golden era of department store Christmas characters. As stores competed for customers, they invested heavily in creating memorable characters and elaborate window displays. Among the most beloved figures were Mr. Jingeling from Halle’s, Uncle Mistletoe from Marshall Field’s, Christopher Candycane from Joseph Horne’s, and Mr. Bingle from Maison Blanche.
The Legacy of Mr. Bingle
Of all the department store Christmas characters, Mr. Bingle holds a particularly special place in the hearts of New Orleans residents. Created in 1947, the jolly snowman became an integral part of the city’s Christmas traditions. Even after the closure of Maison Blanche, Mr. Bingle’s legacy lived on through the efforts of author Sean Patrick Doles, who wrote the book “Saving Mr. Bingle” to preserve the character’s memory.
The Decline of Department Stores and the Fate of Their Characters
The rise of suburban shopping malls and the consolidation of the retail industry led to the decline of many downtown department stores. As a result, some of their beloved Christmas characters faded into obscurity. However, others, such as Mr. Jingeling, Uncle Mistletoe, and Mr. Bingle, have endured through the years, thanks to the enduring power of nostalgia and the efforts of dedicated fans.
The Enduring Appeal of Classic Christmas Characters
The enduring appeal of department store Christmas characters lies in their ability to evoke memories of simpler times and the magic of the holiday season. These characters embody the spirit of giving, kindness, and the belief in the impossible. They remind us that the true meaning of Christmas transcends commercialism and is found in the joy and wonder of the season.
