Santa Claus
The historical roots of Santa Claus go very deep in the past. One discovers that Santa Claus as we know him is a combination of many different legends and mythical creatures.
The basis for the Christian-era Santa Claus is Bishop Nicholas of Smyrna, in what is now Turkey. Nicholas lived in the 4th century CE. He was very rich, generous, and loving toward children. Often he gave joy to poor children by throwing gifts in through their windows.
The Orthodox Church later raised St. Nicholas to a position of great esteem. It was in his honor that Russia's oldest church, for example, was built. For its part, the Roman Church honored Nicholas as one who helped children and the poor. St. Nicholas became the patron saint of children and seafarers. His feast day is December 6th.
In the Protestant areas of central and northern Germany, St. Nicholas later became known as Der Weinachtsmann. In England, Father Christmas (a more austere and thinner version of Santa Claus) brought gifts to the children. In France, he came to be called Pere Noel. St. Nicholas made his way to the United States with Dutch immigrants and was referred to as Sinterklaas.
In North American poetry and illustrations, Santa Claus, in his white beard, red jacket and pompom-topped cap, would go out on the night before Christmas in his sleigh, pulled by eight reindeer, and climb down chimneys to leave his gifts in stockings that children set out on the fireplace's mantelpiece.
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