"The" Santa Claus "St. Nicholas" The original Santa Claus (St. Nicholas), was born in the 4th Century... ... in the ancient southeastern Turkish town of Lycia. *** *** *** His generosity was legend, and he was very fond of children, eventually he become the patron saint of children. In the Middle Ages, and well beyond, he was referred to by many names, none of them Santa Claus. Young Nicholas dedicated his life to God's service. On one occasion Nicholas heard of three young women who had no suitors, their father was too poor to be able to give them a dowry, so one night he filled three bags of gold ... he then threw them into the rooms of the young women. Very soon they were happily married! *** *** *** From those unexpected gifts, said to come from St. Nicholas, led to his being described as the giver of many "Christmas Presents" Children began putting their shoes beside the fireplace on Christmas Eve, in hopes that St. Nicholas would fill them with presents. St. Nicholas was naturally a very happy person and was eventually refrred to as ... "Jolly Old St. Nicholas" We sing songs about him and think of him as the one who rewards the good deeds of others. *** *** *** Santa Claus Today! Santa Claus is known throughout the world by so many different names, such as: England ... Father Christmas Switzerland ... Christkindl Bavaria .... Kris Kringle Germany ... Christkind Russia ... Bobouschka Dutch ... Sinter Klaas France ... Pere Noel Are but a few variations <S> **The Russian Santa is actually a motherly figure instead of a man. Today we have this wonderful influence of Santa Claus who makes such an important contribution to Christmas for so many people. And while it is customary to regard the story of Santa Claus as a myth, he is the result of the legend of a real person, who did live and was known as... "St. Nicholas" Much of modern-day Santa Claus lore, including the sleigh and reindeer, originated in America. "The Night Before Christmas" 1822 Was composed by Dr. Clement Clarke Moore, to read to his children on Christmas Eve, it is said he was the one who gave the reindeer their names! *** *** *** To Return to ... Serendipity  Legends Index *** *** ***