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The modern-day image of Santa Claus was created in the 1840 Clement Moore's 1840 classic, A Visit From Saint Nicholas, and by the American cartoonist Thomas Nast in 1863. Each year Nast drew for Harper's Weekly magazine a new image of Santa, that by 1880s, evolved into a form we recognize today. By the 1920s the image was standardized by advertisers.
The modern Christmas tree tradition began in Germany in the 18th century, and the custom was introduced to England in the 19th century as a result of marriages to German Royalty. They became more widespread in England because the popular royal couple, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, displayed Christmas trees, and these images were published. The tradition then moved to the US because of English influence and increased German immigration to the US. Glass ornaments were popularized in the 1870s, and soon became widespread, including German-made kugels, which are highly sought today.
