The beloved comic strip Calvin and Hobbes often explores whimsical childhood themes, including the perennial figure of Santa Claus. Over the years, enthusiasts have delighted in watching Calvin craft his amusing letters to Santa and navigate the fine line between naughty and nice, all while encountering Santa in various escapades. Creator Bill Watterson captures the intricate thoughts and imaginations of children when it comes to belief in Santa Claus.
In this article, we present 15 of the most charming Calvin and Hobbes comics centered around Santa, showcasing Calvin’s humorous attempts to maximize his holiday gifts, despite his less-than-stellar behavior.
15
Is He Naughty or Nice?
Calvin and Hobbes’ December 24, 1995 Comic
Calvin’s boundless imagination is one of the defining features of Calvin and Hobbes. Watterson showcases his creativity through comics featuring fantastical elements like dinosaurs and monsters. In one memorable strip, Calvin imagines Santa and his elves deliberating over whether he deserves to be on the naughty or nice list. The tension builds to a point where Calvin cannot sleep, fearing he might miss out on his presents for reasons entirely unrelated to his conduct.
Much of the holiday-themed humor in Calvin and Hobbes derives from Calvin’s struggle to resist mischief, with Hobbes often providing witty commentary on his friend’s antics. Subsequent story arcs highlight Calvin’s desperate attempts to earn a spot on the ‘Nice’ list.
Ultimately, Calvin’s efforts to be ‘good’ often seems far-fetched. He resorts to pleading for extenuating circumstances, attempting to trade good deeds for forgiveness for his mischief, and even enlists Hobbes as his legal representative. Regrettably for Calvin, his persistent requests for high-explosives are met with Santa’s disapproval year after year.
14
This Year I’ve Been Extra Good
Calvin and Hobbes’ December 7, 1995 Comic
Calvin’s letters to Santa are a recurring theme in the comic strip, where he employs a mix of pleading, humor, and trickery in hopes of receiving the best gifts. Hobbes, serving as the voice of reason, often counters Calvin’s more outrageous schemes and provides a grounding perspective.
For those who interpret Hobbes as a figment of Calvin’s imagination, these strips illustrate a conflict between Calvin’s naive desires and a more grounded understanding of reality. Conversely, if you believe Hobbes is a true companion as Watterson intended, Calvin’s misadventures are even more amusing as he throws himself into each ridiculous plan wholeheartedly.
13
Santa Flambé
Calvin and Hobbes’ December 24, 1990 Comic
Calvin’s deductive reasoning often challenges the fantasies his parents try to instill in him. He questions the logic of keeping a fire ablaze while awaiting Santa’s arrival, demonstrating his sharp wit and ability to see through the narrative inconsistencies that children often apply.
12
You Rotten Little Kid
Calvin and Hobbes’ December 17, 1989 Comic
Switching the narrative, Calvin receives an unexpected letter from Santa, urging him to treat animals kindly if he wants gifts this year. It turns out that the letter was penned by Hobbes, who seeks to ensure a week of leisurely comic reading without interruption.
11
He’s Saying Something
Calvin and Hobbes’ December 24, 1987 Comic
While Calvin’s imagination fuels many tales, sometimes the reality is far more mundane. A supposed ‘Santa sighting’ turns out to be nothing more than Calvin’s dad stumbling around in the dim light, echoing the humor found in classic children’s media.
10
Do You Have a Pen?
Calvin and Hobbes’ December 9, 1995 Comic
Though Calvin may be under the supervision of his parents, his fierce sense of independence cannot be contained, particularly against Susie. The dynamics shift when Susie reminds him of Santa’s judgment, giving her the edge in their playful rivalry.
Snowball fights between Calvin and Susie are a recurring theme, representing one of the irresistible temptations Calvin often laments about as he attempts to remain on Santa’s good side.
9
Long, Fine Print Disclosure
Calvin and Hobbes’ December 5, 1995 Comic
Another classic “writing to Santa”moment showcases Calvin’s attempt to navigate adult-like deception without fully grasping the implications. Watterson wraps this strip in humor and childish innocence, illustrating Calvin’s clever yet naive strategies.
8
Evil Santa
Calvin and Hobbes’ December 7, 1995 Comic
In an exercise of creativity, Calvin conjures up his own adversary to Santa, dubbed “Evil Santa.”This playful depiction is reminiscent of the superhero narratives that capture his imagination, although Evil Santa regrettably does not provide the army surplus gear Calvin longs for.
7
I Don’t Want Any Gifts
Calvin and Hobbes’ December 8, 1992 Comic
Calvin’s attempts at psychological manipulation resurface in this comic, as he claims he doesn’t want gifts, hoping Santa will take him seriously. Hobbes chimes in with caution, suggesting that such reverse psychology may backfire terribly. Throughout Calvin and Hobbes, Calvin incessantly schemes to entice Santa, all while Hobbes offers witty jabs at his impractical methods.
6
Santa Didn’t Bring Hobbes Anything
Calvin and Hobbes’ December 25, 1988 Comic
This strip expertly combines humor with a deeper commentary on Calvin’s imaginary relationship with Hobbes. Watterson often plays with the concepts of reality and imagination, asking whether Santa’s oversight is due to Hobbes being imaginary or because he would be content with a simple hug instead of gifts.
5
A Vindictive, Twisted Elf
Calvin and Hobbes’ December 14, 1993 Comic
After yet another year without his coveted explosives, Calvin sarcastically questions whether Santa has lost his mind and becomes a “vindictive, twisted elf.”Fortunately, he refrains from sending the letter to Santa, thus avoiding a potential coal delivery. This comic reflects Calvin’s ongoing skepticism about Santa’s motives, prompting thoughtful discussions with Hobbes regarding the nature of Santa Claus.
4
As Soon As He Drops the Bag Down
Calvin and Hobbes’ December 24, 1985 Comic
In a classic example of his mischievous ideas, Calvin devises a plan to rob Santa of his gifts. With Hobbes as his accomplice, they aim to snatch Santa’s sack while he’s busy delivering presents. Calvin’s adventures are filled with both chaos and unexpected cleverness.
3
He Knows If You’ve Been Bad or Good
Calvin and Hobbes’ December 17, 1987 Comic
In this strip, Calvin expresses his frustration over Santa’s ever-watchful eye, alluding to the stress that comes with being judged for his behavior. If the Elf on the Shelf concept had been present during Calvin’s time, he would certainly have found ways to thwart that mischievous little elf!
2
I Wish Santa Would Publish the Guidelines
Calvin and Hobbes’ December 20, 1992 Comic
Calvin tackles the complexities of morality as he questions the criteria for being classified as naughty or nice. His debate about whether his misbehavior should be taken into account reflects a genuine contemplation of ethical dilemmas, albeit interrupted by the urge to launch a snowball at Susie. His admission of wanting to incorporate a rock into that snowball hints at his mischievous nature.
1
A Letter from Santa
Calvin and Hobbes’ December 19, 1993 Comic
Watterson’s artistry shines through in this creative strip, where Calvin imagines a world where Santa rewards bad behavior. The clever poem illustrates Calvin’s fantastical thoughts and longing for explosives, although it ultimately leads to the conclusion that it’s merely a dream—Santa remains committed to his traditional values.
These 15 memorable Calvin and Hobbes comic strips transport readers back to the days when achieving a spot on Santa Claus’s ‘Nice’ list was of paramount importance, reflecting how Bill Watterson masterfully transforms the trials of childhood into delightful humor.
Related Articles:
10 Far Side Comics That Push the Limits of the Deadliest Joke Ever
12:10
Aeryn’s Final Words in Farscape: Completing Her Complex Character Arc Rewardingly
3:03
Marvel Eliminates Major Weakness of Infinity Stones, Changing Canon for Better or Worse
2:21
Leave a Reply