What’s With All The Hot Santas Lately? Why Santa Kinks Are Becoming More Common

When I think of Santa Claus, things like “jolly,” “big belly,” and “intruder” (I live alone; the idea of a man coming in through my chimney is a threat) come to mind. But for some other people, Santa makes them want to be a hoe hoe hoe. No, seriously, there are people out there with an unironic Santa fetish. Do you remember in Friends when Monica tells Chandler to keep his Santa suit another night? Some of us may have laughed, but others knew exactly what she meant.

Now, you may be thinking, “Are we talking about the same Santa Claus?” And the answer is: kinda. Dr. Holly Wood, a sexologist at Bedbible.com, explains that when people have a Santa fetish, it’s a combination of a lot of their own sexual desires that pretty much match up with Santa’s whole image. I mean, a big guy with a beard who’s good with kids? Have you ever heard of women being into “bears”? Yeah, you get it.

Here are all the reasons someone might have a Santa kink.

He’s Been Portrayed Pretty Sexually

Image Credit: NBC

No, I’m not talking about about the adorable Santa Claus from Miracle on 34th Street.

“In more recent popular media, Santa Claus has been depicted as a more fit, stereotypically attractive figure (think the current Target ads that depict a hot Santa named ‘Kris’ that drives a red Ford Bronco),” Wood tells Betches. She explains that seeing Santa portrayed in these ways can kind of reinforce the idea of sexual attraction toward him. Once you see something in a sexy light, it’s hard to go back.

There Are Some Sexy Power Dynamics At Play

Santa Claus is kind of a boss — and for some people, this role is yet another reason they find him so sexy.

“Santa Claus embodies a figure of authority, control, and benevolence,” Woods says. “For some, this dynamic can evoke feelings tied to power dynamics or submission, which are common themes in certain fetishes.”

I mean, haven’t you heard Santa been called Father Christmas before? AKA — you know — Daddy Christmas? Plus, think about what he’s known for: You sit on his lap, and he tells you if you’ve been naughty or nice. Come on, the fantasies basically write themselves. He’s this super kind figure who’s also kind of kinky because he gets to decide whether you’ve been a good… or a very bad girl.

He’s Kind Of A Sugar Daddy?

Every year, Santa comes into your house and drops off presents without asking for much in return — except maybe a little sugar (AKA cookies). Is that not the definition of a sugar daddy?

“Santa is often portrayed as a kind, giving figure who embodies a sense of nurturance and generosity,” Wood says. “People may associate these traits with emotional safety or comfort, which can heighten arousal if mixed with sexual attraction.”

It’s Taboo

We’ve established that having a Santa fetish isn’t the norm — which is exactly why it becomes even sexier for people who may have one.

“Fetishes often thrive on the excitement of the unconventional,” Wood explains. “Something being seemingly unattainable or off-limits is part of what makes it hot!”

Santa is all about innocence and family — so when you shift that into something sexual, AKA something that’s pretty culturally and socially unexpected, it becomes sexually interesting. Think about people who wear schoolgirl costumes during role-play — or really any sort of role-play at all. People find it hot to make non-sexual things sexual. It’s part of the allure, and Santa is no exception.