The tradition of a mythical man that comes bearing gifts to every boy and girl has become a world wide tradition. The American culture has depicted him as a jolly fat man wearing a red suit riding in a sleigh pulled by eight tiny reindeer (sometimes nine) visiting homes on Christmas Eve. The story that has been read to every child, like many other legends, derived from the actions of a real person. In this case, the origin of Santa Claus is a man by the name of Bishop Nicholas of Myra.
Nicholas was orphaned as a young boy but not before his parents showed him the ways of a Christian life. Blessed with kindness and the monetary inheritance, Nicholas set off into to the world to spread the Christian teachings. Many stories of his generosity towards the poor have been told far and wide. A few unfortunate families have awoken to find that purses of gold had mysteriously appeared in their living rooms. One popular legend states that a poor man, with three daughters that needed to be wed, was in dire need of dowries. The culture at this time was for fathers of the brides to give money or livestock, to the respective husband. If a father was unable to come up with this then the daughters would be sold into slavery. Knowing that this father was about to lose his daughters, Nicholas had left the man a bag of gold before each daughter was about to be married. Versions of this story describe Nicholas throwing the bags in through a window and even down the chimney where the bag had landed in a sock that was hung to dry by the fire.
Nicholas has also been known to encourage children to behave and work hard on their studies. Stories have been told the he rewarded those children by leaving them treats.
Other stories have Nicholas finding lost children and saving sea tossed sailors. Some of these stories seem to be of the fantastical nature, but never the less, has only added to his popularity. Nicholas was beloved and revered as a protector and helper of those in need which led to the reasoning to make him the patron saint of children and sailors.
Soon after his death on December 6, 326 A.D., people honored his life by honoring him with an entire day. Families are still celebrating St. Nicholas’ generosity on December 6 every year.
By keeping his generosity a secret, Nicholas never intended to have it returned he just wanted to encourage people to pass on the gesture by sharing what we have with those that are unfortunate.
Whether celebrated in December 25 or December 6, we can all agree that these days are focused on children and through our own generosity, mirroring the practices of St Nicholas, presents of toys or candies, are found without anyone witnessing their arrival. Every year, generation after generation, grown ups proudly take on the burden of this secret tradition because the results are so rewarding.
