History of Santa Claus

The history of Santa Claus begins in the 4th century in Turkey, when he known as Saint Nicholas.  He was much renowned for his generosity in giving gifts such as food and clothes to the poor and children.  The Romans never liked the ideas of Christianity or anyone who did, so they imprisoned Saint Nicholas.  Once Constantine became ruler over Rome, Saint Nicholas was allowed to go free.  After Constantine created the “Council of Nicaea,” he honored Saint Nicolas with being the patron saint of children and sailors.

More history of Santa Claus and his relationship to Christmas can be found at:  History of  'X-Mas"

A Santa Claus Biography

The 16th century Dutch are what kept the legend of Saint Nicholas alive, and they are thought to be the first people to celebrate him.  The children of Holland would put their shoes by the fire in hopes for a gift from Saint Nicholas, who was known by the Dutch as “Sint Nikolaaas.”  Over time the name was also known as “Sinterklass,” and then it became what we all know him as, Santa Claus.

Clement C. Moore, in 1822, is thought to have created the closest Santa Claus biography to date, from what he was actually like, with the creation of the red suit, big belly, and jolly-bearded man, and where St. Nicholas is supposed to have lived in the stories of Santa Claus and the north pole.  However, in Moore’s poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” he depicts Santa Claus as very small and adds Norse beliefs for the reindeer and elves.

More on Clement C. Moore can be found here: Clement C. Moore

Another Santa Claus biography states that the vintage Santa Claus of earlier times was rather shy, but still wished to help the children of his hometown.  One night he went up onto a roof and dropped a purse filled with money.  The purse landed in a stocking that was being hung to dry.  The stories we know today of Santa Claus coming down the chimney were born on that night with the actions of the vintage Santa Claus, St. Nicholas.  The vintage Santa Claus is much like the one told for generations, except for one difference, St. Nicholas with all his many names, never lived in the North Pole.

For ways to share this with your children you can visit: Santa Claus and being Christian