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Christmas is considered one of the most celebrated holidays around the globe. People gather for good food, gift-giving, or to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. But many people don’t know how Santa Claus actually plays into the holiday, other than as the mythical, generous, gift-giving jolly man we know today. But there was a man behind the myth, and he is the true Santa.
The legend of Santa Claus first originated in a small Roman town known as Myra, now Demre in modern day Turkey. A man named Nicholas was born there around A.D. 280. He was well known for his kindness and generosity, especially towards children. During his lifetime, he worked as a bishop, and frequently helped whoever he could. His life was dedicated to helping others.
One of his most famous deeds happened in the dead of night. He had heard of three girls in a poor family. They wished to get married, but their father did not have enough money for a dowry. That night, Nicholas left bags of gold in their boots with more money than what was needed for a dowry. These girls didn’t know who their benefactor was, and they may not have even known Nicholas. To him, the joy of knowing he did the act without the need for recognition or acknowledgement was enough.
When Nicholas died, he was blessed as a saint and became known as St. Nick, the patron saint of children. Today, we honor him on St. Nick’s day, which is December 6th. Families often leave gifts in stockings or boots for children in honor of this saint. The current Santa Claus also comes from St. Nicholas. The name originated from his Dutch name, which was Sint Nikolaas, or Sinter Klaas, which is the Dutch name for St. Nick. This name was first brought to life when several Dutch families gathered together to celebrate the holiday season. Through the evolution of writing, this name was known as Santa Klaus, or Santa Claus today.
This is just the most basic version of a true gift-giving jolly man. Cultures and countries around the world have different variations of Santa Claus, ranging from purely religious to just a jolly man. One such German fellow, known as Krampus, who originated in 12th century Germany. The whispers of Krampus with horns and fangs, who travels about on Christmas and swats naughty children with birch sticks usually starts early December. He is known as the Christmas Devil. He accompanies Kris Kringle, the Santa Claus of Germany. Another variation of the Christmas legend is Father Christmas, one of the earliest jolly men. Another title for Santa Claus, the name Father Christmas originated in the U.K, and is still a common name there today. Iceland has thirteen Santa Clauses! They are known as the Yule Lads, and are based on historical Icelandic folklore figures. In Spain, the children receive gifts from three men known as Los Reyes Magos, or the three wise men. There are many different variations of Santa Claus, mixed into every culture and blended into history.
Even though there may be hundreds of thousands of different versions of this jolly good fellow, they all have one thing in common: a kind, selfless figure of generosity who delivers gifts to children and those who need them. This holiday season, take a moment to think about the history of this beloved tradition, and take a leaf out of St. Nick’s book. Be a kind, generous and selfless person this holiday season, and honor the true meaning of Christmas.