THE STORY OF SANTA CLAUS

The legend began in fourth century Myra in Asia Minor, which today is known as Turkey. Nicholas was a Bishop who was known for his generosity and kindness to children. At least one miracle was attributed to him by the Catholic Church. 

A father had three daughters. They were so poor, they were likely to lose their home. The three young daughters had decided to turn to prostitution to save their father from FINANCIAL ruin and retain their home. When Bishop Nicholas found out, he visited their house and left three stocking, each with a piece of gold within. 

The three GOLD pieces saved the family from ruin (And also started the tradition of hanging Christmas STOCKINGS and putting gifts in them.)

Later, Bishop Nicholas got into trouble with Emperor Diocletian for saying things which the Emperor preferred were not said. Nicholas didn't approve of many thing which occured under the Emperor and said so. He was exiled from Myra. Nicholas wandered Europe for a time and his reputation had proceeded him. He was well received everywhere as a man of integrity and courage. The Pope himself praised Nicholas.

Eventually Bishop Nicholas returned to Myra and was quickly arrested. He ultimately died in prison on Dec. 6, 350 AD. Many mourned his death and so decided to honor his life annually. Sailors, migrants and various travellers carried the tale of Bishop Nicholas throughout Europe. His deeds were honored every Dec. 6th in many countries. The Church eventually made him St. Nicholas.

In 1686, Josiah King wrote "The Examination and Trial of Father Christmas" to celebrate Christmas being reinstated as an official holiday. Father Christmas embodied the spirit of good will and joy that Christmas is supposed to represent. Father Christmas was depicted as an old man with a white beard.

Father Christmas became a symbol of Christmas over the next 100 years. And since the life of St. Nicholas was also celebrated every December, the two legends somehow began to merge. People began to think of them as one character and so St. Nicholas became Father Christmas.

Americans, hearing this legend for the first time, adopted the story into American culture but they had trouble pronouncing Sinterklaus and so they changed the name to make it easier to say. Saint Nicholas/Father Christmas became Santa Claus in America. Although the name Father Christmas would eventually fade from popular use in America, Santa Claus would not.

Different aspects of the combined legend were represented in Santa Claus. Santa brought toys to kids and was a immortal being who symbolized Christmas. His appearance was rather vague at this point and different groups pictured him different ways. But the one definite, consistent element was the white beard.

The name Father Christmas never really caught on in America but the names Santa Claus/Kris Kringle/St. Nicholas are all still well known and used today. The figure of Santa Claus has appeared in every possible medium of entertainment and literature. He is forevermore established as a large, portly, ageless man in a red costume who lives in the North Pole and brings toys (built by Elves) to children on his flying reindeer and sleigh.