With the holiday season fast approaching, an unexpected trend has emerged: a growing number of adults are expressing romantic and sexual attraction to Santa Claus. Known as “Santaphiles,” these individuals find appeal in the jolly figure who embodies the spirit of Christmas. According to content creator Kassidie Kosa, who first developed her fascination watching Tim Allen in the “Santa Clause” films, the allure lies in the combination of an older, bearded man who offers gifts. “What’s better than that?” she remarked.
For Kosa, 25, the physical attributes of Santa are particularly attractive. She stated, “I don’t care if they have abs. Give me the pudge.” This sentiment resonates with others who share this interest, as many find the character’s paternal qualities intertwined with elements of fantasy and role-play. Dr. Justin Lehmiller, a senior research fellow at the Kinsey Institute, noted that the character lends itself well to BDSM role-play, where Santa’s role as a figure of reward and punishment adds to the intrigue.
Growing Interest in Santaphilia
The phenomenon of Santaphilia is not restricted to younger individuals. Melissa Rosen, a 47-year-old business consultant and CEO of a matchmaking firm, discovered her attraction to Santa at the age of 16. She recalls a particular encounter with an off-duty Santa, which sparked her fascination. “I just had this fascination of, ‘What is Santa doing in his off hours?’” she recounted.
Rosen’s preferences lean towards a younger version of Santa, expressing a specific fondness for the burly figure with a beard. While her past visits to sit on Santa’s lap were more lighthearted, she now approaches them with a sense of decorum as a single mother. Reflecting on a recent visit, she humorously shared, “When Santa asked me what I wanted for Christmas, I whispered in his ear and said, ‘You.’”
The appeal of Santa transcends mere attraction for many. Rosen, who operates a matchmaking business, has noted that many clients often describe their ideal partner in ways reminiscent of Santa. “I think he represents a lot of things that both men and women want in relationships, like generosity,” she explained, highlighting the jolly figure’s qualities of kindness and nurturing.
The Cultural Impact of Santa’s Appeal
This fascination has not gone unnoticed by those who embody the Santa persona. Paul Mason, a 61-year-old former model known as “Fashion Santa,” has embraced this trend since 2014. Mason has marketed himself as a stylish interpretation of the holiday icon and finds humor in the appeal he attracts from adults. “It’s coming across with a little sophistication, with maybe a little bit of sexiness to it,” he stated, emphasizing the playful nature of this modern interpretation.
While the true scale of Santaphilia remains largely uncharted, Dr. Lehmiller acknowledged that research on the topic is limited. He pointed out that pornographic websites report significant spikes in searches for Santa-themed content during the holiday season. For instance, searches for “Santa” on Pornhub rose by 203% over the past month. Notably, terms like “naughty Santa’s helper” and “Christmas f—k” also see increased activity as Christmas approaches.
Individuals like Amanda DiChiara, a 35-year-old hair stylist from New Jersey, have also expressed their fascination with the holiday figure. DiChiara, who became drawn to Santa at age 12, sees the character as a representation of the festive spirit. “I think he makes it more festive and almost spiritual — that’s where the attraction really comes in,” she explained, adding that the comforting image of Santa resonates deeply with her.
As the holiday season draws near, the cultural phenomenon of Santaphilia continues to capture attention, with its blend of innocence and hedonism. The character of Santa Claus, traditionally seen as a symbol of joy and giving, now finds himself at the center of a unique adult attraction that reflects broader themes of desire, fantasy, and nostalgia during this festive time of year.