Santa Claus Truths

 Santa Claus Origin

The origin of the Santa Claus story has its roots deep in history. 

In Greek, Santa Claus is known as Hagios Nickolaos, Bishop of Myra, which is known in the present day as Turkey.

The Santa Claus legend known to us from Christmas stories and Christmas music for many generations actually originates from a real person, who was born somewhere around 300 A.D.

Santa's gift giving fame heralded in Christmas music and Christmas stories originates from stories of Santa giving gold coins and gifts to those in need, as he traveled around the countryside.

As his fame spread throughout Europe, Christmas gifts were given on December 6, when the celebration of St. Nicholas took place.

In many countries, this is still the day of gift giving in honor of St. Nicholas.

Santa as we known him in modern day Christmas stories is believed to be a composite of two different characters.

The second character, other than Hagios Nickolaos, is known as Father Christmas in England.

Father Christmas dates back at least as far as 17th century Britain, and pictures of him survive from that era, portraying him as a jolly, well rounded, bearded man dressed in a long, green, fur-lined robe instead of the red and white robes seen in modern time Santa in America.

He typified the spirit of good cheer at Christmas, and was reflected in the 'Spirit of Christmas Present' in Charles Dickens' famous story, A Christmas Carol.