Santa-Claus—also known as Saint Nicholas or Kris Kringle—has a rich history deeply rooted in Christmas-traditions. Today, he's celebrated as the cheerful man in red who brings toys to well-behaved children on Christmas-Eve.
However, the story of Santa-Claus dates back to the 3rd century, when Saint Nicholas became the patron saint of children.
Dear Lykkers, learn about Santa-Claus's fascinating journey, from his historical origins to the iconic shopping mall Santas we recognize today, and discover how two New Yorkers, Clement Clark Moore and Thomas Nast, shaped the Santa millions of children eagerly await each Christmas-Eve.
15 Things You Didn't Know About Santa Claus
Video by Alux.com
The Legend of St. Nicholas: The Real Santa-Claus
St. Nicholas's Origins: The story of Santa-Claus begins with St. Nicholas, a monk born around A.D. 280 in Patara, near Myra in modern-day Türkiye. Renowned for his piety and generosity, Nicholas devoted his life to aiding the sick and poor, giving away his wealth to support those in need. One famous tale recounts how he saved three poor sisters from being sold into slavery by providing them with dowries for marriage.
St. Nicholas's Popularity
Over the centuries, Nicholas became renowned as the protector of children and sailors. His feast day, December 6, marked the anniversary of his death and was traditionally seen as a lucky day for major purchases or weddings. By the Renaissance, St. Nicholas was Europe's most beloved saint, maintaining his reputation even after the Protestant Reformation.
Sinter Klaas Comes to New York
Santa-Claus's Dutch Influence: The Dutch brought the tradition of Sinter Klaas to America in the late 18th century. The name "Santa-Claus" evolved from the Dutch nickname "Sinter Klaas," a shortened form of Sint Nikolaas. Early depictions included now-familiar symbols like stockings filled with gifts.
Popularization in Literature
In 1809, Washington Irving described St. Nicholas as New York's patron saint in The History of New York, while Clement Clarke Moore's 1822 poem "Twas The Night Before-Christmas" cemented Santa's image as a "right jolly old elf" with a portly figure and a magical sleigh.
Shopping Mall Santas
Early Santa Displays: The 1840s saw Santa-Claus becoming a staple of Christmas-advertisements. By 1841, children were drawn to stores to see life-size models of Santa-Claus. Soon after, live Santas began appearing in stores, attracting families during the holiday season.
Salvation Army Santas
In the 1890s, the Salvation Army began using Santa suits to help raise funds for providing free Christmas-meals to families in need. Today, these bell-ringing Santas are an enduring tradition.
Twas the Night Before-Christmas
Moore's Poem and Nast's Illustrations: Clement Clarke Moore's poem popularized the image of Santa traveling in a sleigh pulled by eight reindeer. In 1881, Thomas Nast's illustrations added elements like Santa's red suit, white fur trim, and North Pole workshop.
Santa-Claus Around the World
Global Gift-Givers: Santa-Claus has counterparts worldwide: Germany's Christkind, Scandinavia's Jultomten, England's Father-Christmas, France's Père Noël, and Italy's La Befana. These figures share the spirit of giving during the holiday season.
Christmas-Traditions in the United States
Santa's Magical Journey: In the U.S., Santa flies on his sleigh, delivering gifts to children. Homes prepare with stockings hung by the chimney and treats like milk and cookies for Santa.
Santa's Naughty and Nice Lists
Santa's lists, immortalized in the 1934 song "Santa-Claus is Coming to Town," inspire children to be on their best behavior for Christmas-morning surprises.
The Ninth Reindeer: Rudolph
Rudolph's Story: Created by Robert L. May in 1939, Rudolph's glowing red nose turned him from an outcast to a hero who saved-Christmas. The story, later adapted into a song and TV movie, remains a holiday classic.
