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The Bizarre Story of Saint Nicholas and the Origins of Santa Claus
Where did Santa come from?
Modern Christmas cannot be talked about or explained without the mention of Santa Claus. Santa Claus is a magical man who circles the globe on Christmas Eve, delivering presents to good children. Over the years, the Santa Claus myth has grown and evolved. Now, he flies using the help of a large sleigh and enchanted reindeer. He wears red in homage to Coca Cola and he visits far more than simply good children in Christendom. But where did the story of Santa Claus get its start?
Many songs and tales refer to Santa as Saint Nicholas or Saint Nick. In fact, Santa is a derivative of an old Italian word meaning Saint or Holy, which points to his origins as a saint. While Santa Claus is a relatively modern invention, coming into focus during the early 19th century, his inspiration is far older. Saint Nicholas was a man who lived in the 4th century, over 1500 years ago.
Like many saints, Saint Nicholas’s history and childhood are a mystery. Saint Nicholas was contemporary to Constantine the Great and the Council of Nicaea. Saint Nick supposedly grew up in a wealthy household and gave his parents' wealth to the poor after they died. However, this generosity was not the origin of Santa Claus's present-giving nature. In the 4th century, grand acts…
