It’s impossible to accurately trace the history of how the legend of Santa Claus was born. However, because R.T. Clown Inc. has been helping companies, clubs, and private parties celebrate the legend of Santa Claus for more than 30 years, we thought it might be an interesting idea to trace the origin of exactly how the legend of Santa Clause came to life.
Santa Claus was a Greek Bishop
By most accounts, the original image of Santa Clause evolved out of a well-known Bishop from the Greek Orthodox Church, around the 4th Century A.D. Bishop Nickolas lived in an area called Myra, an ancient Greek town that today is in the Antalya Province of Turkey. It was a fertile region right on the Myros River near the Aegean Sea. The story goes that Bishop Nickolas (later canonized as St. Nicholas) was a wealthy man after inheriting lots of money from his parents after they died. However, instead of taking his wealth to selfishly travel the world, or attend countless parties, or even fraternize with endless numbers of women, St. Nicholas used his money to build a reputation for helping the poor and giving secret gifts to people who needed them.
Stockings and Gifts from the Chimney
The stories of St. Nicholas slowly grew, as did the myths and legends surrounding his name. So, truthfully we will never know just what exactly is true or not. However, there is one famous story of how St. Nicholas helped create the custom of hanging stockings in order to get presents.
The story goes that basically there was a poor man who had three daughters. Since he was poor, he couldn’t afford a dowry, preventing his oldest daughter from getting married. So one night, old man Nicholas secretly dropped a bag of gold down the chimney, which happened to fall into a pair of wet stockings that were drying by the fire. The pattern repeated itself down the line through all of the daughters. The miracle of presents placed in stocking near the fire grew, and before long, everyone in the small town was hanging stockings to receive a gift.
From Bishop Nicholas to Saint Nicholas
Bishop Nicholas’ kindness became legendary, and eventually the church named him the saint of the old, poor, children, and sailors.
Unfortunately, the Greek Emperor Diocletian exiled St. Nicholas was exiled from Myra, and later put in prison where he died. To this day, one really knows when he died, but many believe it was the December 6th. Even now, this day is considered St. Nicholas feast day in Greece, and in the Italian port of Bari, sailors still carry his statue from the Cathedral out to sea, so that he can bless the waters and so give them safe voyages throughout the year.
From Saint Nicholas to Santa Claus
The legend of Saint Nicholas faded throughout the Dark Ages, but during the Renaissance (1300 – 1700), northern Europe again picked up the legend and combined it with presents for children that celebrated Christmas. Instead of Saint Nicholas, he became known as ‘Father Christmas’ or ‘Old Man Christmas’, and morphed into an old character from stories and plays people had heard during the Middle Ages. Depending on what country or region you are talking about, the name for this character changed. In France, for example, the character was known as ‘Père Nöel’. In parts of Austria and Germany, the mysterious present-giver became known as ‘Christkind’, a blond haired baby with wings, who symbolized Jesus.
By the time this character –whether mythical or historical, arrived to the United States, his name had evolved into ‘Kris Kringle’ (apparently a derivation from the name Christkind). Later, Dutch settlers in the USA took the old stories of St. Nicholas with them and Kris Kringle and St Nicholas became ‘Sinterklaas’ or as we now say, ‘Santa Claus!
The days are getting shorter and evenings are getting colder. That can only mean one thing: holiday party season is just around the corner. R.T. Clown Inc. has been planning and executing holiday parties for more than 30 years, from casual to black-tie formal. To help you plan and coordinate your wardrobe for any upcoming holiday party or event, R.T. Clown Inc. has put together a quick tip sheet and a few guidelines when planning to attend your next holiday event.
Casual Dress Guidelines:
The good news about a casual office party is that it provides guests a wide scope of dress options, especially here in California. However, remember casual doesn’t mean sandals and shorts either, so to help you kick “casual” up a notch, add a couple of these add-ons to your attire.
Suggestions for Men: Wear a pair of Khakis or dark jeans, with a button down shirt. A simple polo shirt or tennis sweater would also work well. For shoes, you can go with anything from leather loafers to a cool pair of Converse tennis shoes.
Suggestions for Women: A casually-dressed affair can be a great place to pull out your denim. Jeans are some of the most versatile and comfortable clothes, and are easy to dress up or dress down. A great way to add a little style to denim is to dress up your denim with a cropped for fitted blazer and your favorite pair of pumps.
Business Casual Dress Guidelines:
Business casual is basically the same as casual, except with a little bit more conservative flair and business-like attitude.
Suggestions for Men: Business casual calls for dress pants or khakis with a collared shirt and a jacket or even that classic blue blazer. Of course, you could always wear a necktie as well, some cool holiday themed socks.
Suggestions for Women: The business casual attire for women really calls for a pair of dress pants with a blouse or a skirt and top combination of some kind. Accessories should be simple like a conservative watch, classic bracelet and modest earrings. A simple handbag would also work.
Cocktail Event Dress Guidelines:
Remember, a cocktail party signals elegance and fun! Think dressed up but not formal.
Suggestions for Men: A nice collared shirt, dress pants, and sport coat or jacket is a solid bet for men. One of the ways to dress up this straight-forward style is to find a shirt with a bolder color than normal, or even a bright pattern. If you have a holiday themed tie or socks, go ahead and throw those into the mix as well.
Suggestions for Women: Go of ahead and pull out a nice pair dress pants with a blouse. You could also pull out that little black dress, with a pair of heels, and some sparkle or even fur. A great rule of thumb to follow is to not wear something you wouldn’t want your boss to see you in.
Semi-Formal Event Dress Guidelines: (Black Tie Optional):
The semi-formal event is somewhere between a black tie and business casual, depending on the event’s location or time of day.
Suggestions for Men: For any semi-formal event, men should wear a nice business suit with tie and dress shoes. To add a little class or even holiday theme, add a pocket square.
Suggestions for Women: Knee length dress or skirt, blouse and skirt combination, or that little black dress. Add a necklace or sparkly clutch to up the holiday ante.
Black Tie Event Guidelines:
This is the top of the line when it comes to events, so go all out with your most elegant evening attire.
Suggestions for Men: Tuxedo
For Women: Floor length evening gown, heels, and lots of shiny jewelry.
R.T. Clown Inc. has coordinated magical evenings and special events for groups of all sizes and budgets. One of our most popular specialty acts is our professional Tarot card reader, Ginny McMath. Over the years, R.T. Clown has found that Tarot card readers are a great way to add an atmosphere of excitement and mystery to any event while also providing a great interactive and memorable experience for guests of all ages. In many cases, Tarot card reading is something many guests have never seen before.
According to R.T. Clown Inc.’s Company Director, Robin Charin, party Tarot card work is a real specialty.
“The Tarot card performance requires a gifted reader and also must possess the special talent of an entertainer. A charismatic presence, a great sense of humor, a great attitude, and the ability to engage the crowd,” said Robin. “Ginny McMath is exactly this kind of Tarot card performer.”
Ginny McMath, Professional Tarot Card Reader
Ginny has worked with R.T. Clown for 17 years, and has been a serious performer for most of her life. But when it comes to reading the Tarot cards, she loves to see the authentic smiles and feel the genuine happiness from her clients. One of the reasons Ginny is such a popular addition to parties is that she resonates positivity whenever she reads Tarot.
“When reading, I never project negativity, and I never make predictions about the three D’s: death, divorce, or diagnosis. I believe in positive energy. I try and show people how to perceive a situation in a positive light, and help them follow that path. I try to help them alter the way they look at a situation, while also promoting a positive path, the most successful path, bringing them back into your perfect flow,” said Ginny.
Ginny has performed Tarot card readings for many celebrities. Here are just a couple:
Marianne Williamson
Aerosmith band members
Francis Fisher
The Ellen Show Production Team
Fred Willard
Joanne Worley
Ginny Answers Commonly Asked Questions
Are Tarot Card Readings Appropriate for Teens?
We perform readings at parties for kids, teens, and young adults. Some great occasions that work really well for Tarot Card readings are for birthday parties, Sweet Sixteen parties, and graduation celebrations. I have a very special approach when reading for young people that focuses on character, talents and future possibilities. By helping our young ones acknowledge their own uniqueness, I want to open up the window through which they look at themselves and their own future.
Is Including a Tarot Card Reader a good idea for Our Party?
Tarot card readings have always been popular, but it seems that lately Tarot card readings are becoming even more popular. In my experience, Tarot card readings are equally popular with both men and women, regardless of age. The truth is, no matter what other kind of entertainment you have, the Tarot card reading will almost always be the most popular event.
What does a Tarot Card Reader Need to Perform?
You need to provide each Tarot card reader a medium-sized table and 2 or 3 chairs. Three chairs, instead of just two, will allow a couple guests to get a reading together and be both seated. Chairs without arms are recommended, and I can normally decorate the table. I like to sit at the table, and as guests arrive, they spot me sitting, and their interest is piqued. Sometimes guests run right up to me and get a reading, others people like to wait a little to get their nerves up. Either way, everyone loves my Tarot readings, and everyone will remember the experience with fondness.
How long are the readings?
In a large party situation, I keep the readings short, light and positive, usually about six minutes per person. This gives everyone else a chance to try, to get a taste of Tarot! I tell the truth of what I see in the cards, but I always leave guests feeling happy and uplifted combined with a good story! If you are planning a smaller, more intimate gathering, I can do longer reads which allows for more depth and insight.
As a leading event planning firm in Los Angeles, R.T. Clown Inc. tries to keep on top of new and exciting places within our great city. From Manhattan Beach to Korea Town, and from Sherman Oaks to Downtown, Los Angeles is a truly amazing place, full of diversity and eclectic lifestyles. To help you zero in on some of Los Angeles’ best dining locations (both old and new), R.T. Clown Inc. has put together a list of Los Angeles restaurants that serve great food, provide amazing ambiance, and should be considered for your next event or corporate party.
Husband and wife, Kim and Bryant Ng have partnered to create one of Santa Monica’s hottest new restaurants. The feel of the restaurant is amazing: large and open without feeling like you’re sitting at a formal State dinner table. With a private dining area, outside patio seating, and a wine room, Cassia is a great place to host a party or even company event. The cuisine is a tip-of-the-hat to Bryant Ng’s upbringing, with flavors of Vietnam and French culinary influences.
There is nothing more iconic that this classic Venice Beach restaurant! One of the things about the Rose is that it is one of the most flexible restaurants around. If you want breakfast, no problem; lunch and dinner, yep they can do that too. In addition, the restaurant is well known for its homemade pastries and outstanding wine selection. The Rose also fits the bill when it comes to a great event spot because of its sprawling space, indoor and outdoor dining space, with a great patio and complete beer garden.
This Culver City restaurant is really an ode to great Southern cooking – pure American cuisine that is made from local ingredients, often acquired through local farmers. This is a great place for events as it has an expansive floor plan, and a great old school bar, called the Old Man Bar, that is tucked behind the main dining room. Culver City is also a great city to enjoy an event.
Just a couple of blocks east of Robertson Boulevard on West Third Street you will find the A.O.C. restaurant. This classic Los Angeles restaurant has been called an icon by food critic Johnathan Gold, and should be visited by every Angelino at least once a year. With one of the most pleasant patio spaces in town, and ample seating inside, the A.O.C. is a great place for corporate events or a small gathering of friends.
This restaurant is located on Flower Street just steps away from Downtown LA Live, the Broken Spanish restaurant is a great creative take on Mexican-American cuisine that oozes Los Angeles culture and a great ambiance. Broken Spanish is the grown up restaurant this area desperately needed. Order the chicharron and some of the wonderful blue corn tortillas, and invite your office or social club to visit this Los Angeles gem.
Whether you’re planning a special birthday party or a large holiday themed event, there’s nothing like a breathtaking view to create a festive, fun, and refreshing atmosphere for your attendees. R.T. Clown Inc. has organized and planned special events at some of Los Angeles’ most spectacular locations. From rugged coastlines to expansive cityscapes, finding unique and picturesque locations can be a valuable addition to you special holiday party.
To help you narrow down your options for special venues with great views, we have created a list of some of R.T. Clown’s favorite special event venues that include fabulous views!
#1: The Queen Mary, Long Beach
This spectacular, historic ocean cruise liner has 80,000 square feet of awesome banquet and meeting space that is couched in 14 distinctive Art Deco salons with gorgeous wood and hand-painted murals. The great thing about the Queen Mary for special events is that it provides a super authentic historical backdrop that guests love and can’t find any other place. The Queen Mary is also incredibly flexible, seating up to 2,500 people or as few as 30!
#2: Dodgers Stadium – Chavez Ravine
Dodger Stadium is such a treasured Los Angeles Landmark, the third oldest baseball stadium in the MLB, and the perfect setting for a special event.
The stadium is an amazing setting for events, capturing the energy of fun and festive. The field opens its doors for intimate and large groups alike during non-game days. Dodger stadium is also available year round, so it is a great location to consider for your next event. This unique venue also has several different event locations throughout the park, including:
The Stadium Club
Lexus Dugout Club
Hollywood Event Suite
Ketel One Baseline Clubs
Top of the Park, Right and Left Field Plazas, and even the iconic infield itself.
#3: The Terranea Resort
The Terranea Resort sits on a cliff on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, and features 60,000 square feet of state-of-the-art indoor meeting and event space. One of the unique aspects about this location is that it was formerly Marineland Aquatic Park, original home to Shamu the killer whale. The property still has the Marineland Ballroom, the Palos Verdes Grand Ballroom, and fifteen breakout rooms and three boardrooms. There is also 75,000 square feet of outdoor event space that is highlighted by breathtaking ocean views. From arrival to departure, any event guest will be captivated by this extraordinary environment.
#4: The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library is not only one of the beautiful backdrops for any event, it also sits on top of a majestic hill that overlooks amazing views of Southern California’s western landscape. The property has lots of meeting space, including rooms and outdoor venues for up to 1,500 guests. The other cool thing about the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library is that it has recently added the Air Force One Pavilion that includes the actual 747 airplane as part of the scenery. Combine this space with the Ambassador’s Terrace and the outdoor plaza, and you would be hard pressed to find a more dramatic location for your next indoor/outdoor corporate or holiday event.
#5: South Park Center
Located in the South Park district of Downtown Los Angeles, the South Park Center (formerly called AT&T Center) is a 32-story skyscraper with lots of event space for just about any meeting or special event. The 32nd floor is a panoramic penthouse suite with jaw-dropping views of the city that makes an amazing place for corporate events. The property fully equipped 500-seat theater, which is great for corporate events, dinners or meetings.
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