The legend of Santa Claus can be traced back
hundreds of years. The story starts with a
monk named Saint Nicholas. As the legend
goes, Saint Nicholas was born sometime
around 280 A.D. in Patara, Turkey which is
near Myra in the country of Turkey we know
today. Much admired for his piety and
kindness, St. Nicholas was the center of
many grand tales. These legends have been
passed down to generations and generations
of children.
It is thought that he gave away all of his
inherited wealth and riches so he could
travel the country. He wanted to travel so
he could help the poor and sick. One of the
more popular St. Nick stories is the one
about him saving three poor sisters from
being sold into a life of slavery or
prostitution by their father. Other stories
tell of St. Nick saving people from famine
and disease, sparing the lives of those
innocently accused, and much more. He did
many kind and generous deeds without
expecting anything in return.
Over the course of hundreds of years, Saint
Nicholas's popularity spread across the
globe. The Saint became known as the great
protector of children. He was admired for
his work to help the needy. He was also
revered for his great Christian faith. By
the Renaissance period, St. Nicholas was the
most popular saint in all of Europe. Even
after the Protestant Reformation, when the
admiration of all saints was discouraged,
Saint Nicholas was able to maintain a good
reputation. He is honored by all of the
Christian world, in both the East and West.
In the West, he is especially honored as he
is considered the great patron Saint of
children and the jolly giver of gifts. He is
often called Santa Claus.
On the anniversary of his death which is
thought to be December 6, a feast day is
celebrated. This was traditionally
considered a lucky day to get married or
make large purchases. Another tradition that
we all are familiar with is writing a letter
to Santa. Writing letters to Santa Claus has
been a Christmas tradition for many years.
These letters from children usually includes
a wishlist of toys and gifts. Children often
include their accomplishment of good
behavior.
Letters from Santa are still mailed out
every year around the globe. We will send
your Santa Letter almost anywhere in the
world including Ireland, Spain, South
Africa, Bahamas, Chile, Mexico, the United
Kingdom, Australia, Canada and most other
places. .
