KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) -
Much of our modern images of Santa Claus come from the Civil War era.
Jim Two Crows Wallen, who is a Native American, does reenacts as the Civil War Santa when spinning tops were the coveted gift, not an iPad.
"It was a time when America needed Santa Claus. It was a time when it would put a little bit of happiness in a very difficult situation when brother was fighting brother, family was fighting family," Wallen said. "For a few minutes, it was a happier time ... Everyone loves Santa Claus."
Watch the video to learn more about the evolution of the tradition of Santa Claus.
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