The story behind the character we’ve come to know as “Santa Claus” actually starts with a real saint- Saint Nicholas, a greatly venerated saint by Catholics for many centuries. Various churches and religious offices around the world have been dedicated in his honor to commemorate his life of holiness and generosity. As a testament to his faithful and worthy life, he is considered as a patron saint of many causes such as the patron saint of children, sailors, and repentant prisoners. His patronage also extends to marriageable maidens, merchants, pawnbrokers, students, as well as many cities and countries, particularly in Europe, like the Netherlands and Belgium. Historical and traditional accounts about his deeds help us understand why this saint is a beloved intercessor for many people across cultures and sought as protector of places and organizations.
Saint Nicholas, also known as “Nikolaos of Myra,” was born to a Greek family in the year 270 in the city of Patara, Asia Minor (present-day southern coast of Turkey). He was an only child of wealthy Christian parents who raised him to be a devout Catholic like them. Sadly, his parents died in an epidemic when he was still young and he was left with a good amount of fortune. It was his Uncle Nicholas, the bishop of Patara, who cared for this orphan saint and taught him to be a reader in Church and later ordained him as a priest. Saint Nicholas was resolute to use his inherited wealth for the poor and his generosity became known throughout their land. A chosen servant of God, he was elected Bishop of the city of Myra, at a time when Christians suffered from persecution led by the Roman Emperor Diocletian. Bishop Nicholas was also exiled and imprisoned for his faith. After his release from captivity, he became part of the First Council of Nicaea, where he famously defended the Church against the heretics and one of the bishops who signed the Nicene Creed. He died in the year 343 on the 6th of December. It became his feast day and a day of celebration for the faithful who have a devotion to him.
So many stories of good deeds and miracles attributed to this saint have been told for ages. One popular story was how he helped a poor man and his daughters by giving them dowries for marriage. That he did by secretly tossing through an open window bags of gold from his own wealth. This was the inspiration for the custom of children hanging stockings or placing shoes to await gifts from Saint Nicholas. There were stories of him helping restore missing or murdered children back to life through his earnest prayers to God. Some were about how he rescued those dying in hunger during famine or how he defended to spare the lives of those wrongfully accused and so many other stories of saintly acts.
Taking a look back at history, the first Europeans to arrive in the New World (The Americas) brought with them the life story of Saint Nicholas. However, in the 19th century, at a time of some cultural shift in trying to domesticate the Christmas holiday tradition in America, Saint Nicholas was also given new attributes to represent yuletide gift giving. It eventually led to his characterization as “Santa Claus,” a jolly, old man in red suit, riding on a sleigh filled with toys, books and candies to reward children with good behavior. While it is far from the physical look of the real Bishop Nicholas, his kindness and generosity remain at the core of this tradition. Thus, in this season of Advent, what we should see in Santa Claus is not the materialism in receiving and giving, but the holy example of Saint Nicholas in receiving the Infant Jesus in his heart and giving himself to God and his people.
Saint Nicholas, pray for us!
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