Ho ho ho! Gather around, dear readers, and let us embark on a magical journey through time to discover the enchanting story of Santa Claus. From his humble beginnings as Saint Nicholas, the kind-hearted bishop, to the jolly, red-suited figure we know and love today, Santa Claus’s legend has captivated the hearts and imaginations of children and adults alike for centuries. Join us as we explore the fascinating origins, cultural transformations, and timeless traditions that have shaped the beloved character of Santa Claus, bringing joy and wonder to the holiday season across the globe.
The Magical Journey: The Story of Santa Claus
The story of Santa Claus begins with St Nicholas of Myra who was born in 270 AD in the Greek Colony of Patara in Lycia at a time when the culture of the area was Hellenistic. He was the only son of wealthy Christian parents named Epiphanus and Johanna who died in an epidemic while Nicholas was a boy. He went to live with an uncle, also named Nicholas who was Bishop of Patara.
The Gift-Giving Bishop
As Nicholas grew up he developed a reputation as a secret giver of gifts. He would put coins in the shoes of those who left them out for him. He developed a reputation of being a generous giver of gifts. Thus began the tradition of Santa Claus.
The Legend of the Three Daughters
One of St. Nicholas’s most famous stories involves helping a poor man with three daughters. In those days, a dowry was required for a girl to marry. Without a dowry, the daughters were destined to live in poverty. St. Nicholas secretly dropped a bag of gold down the chimney for each daughter as they reached marriageable age. The daughters hung their stockings by the chimney to dry, and the bags of gold landed in their stockings. The poor man eventually discovered Nicholas’s generosity but was asked to keep it a secret and give thanks to God instead.
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
The modern-day legend of Santa Claus is largely based on the poem “’Twas the Night Before Christmas,” originally titled “A Visit from St. Nicholas.” Written in 1822 by Dr. Clement Clarke Moore, a well-educated preacher and teacher, the poem drew more from the Dutch tradition of a jolly old elf than from religious teachings. Dr. Moore wrote the poem for his children’s amusement and never intended to publish it. The poem’s description of Santa Claus, including his sleigh, eight tiny reindeer, and his entrance through the chimney, has had a lasting impact on how Santa is depicted today.
The Impact of the Poem
The poem was first printed by the Troy Sentinel in New York and quickly became a beloved Christmas tradition. By 1837, it was published in “The New York Book of Poetry” and later in a children’s book with illustrations in 1844. Dr. Moore’s depiction of Santa Claus has influenced countless stories and legends, ensuring Santa’s place in modern Christmas celebrations.
Santa Claus Today
Today, Santa Claus embodies the spirit of generosity, love, and acceptance. Inspired by the original St. Nicholas, Santa continues to bring joy to children and families around the world. His story reminds us of the importance of giving, kindness, and the magic of Christmas.
A Visit from St. Nicholas
‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled down for a long winter’s nap,
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;
“Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! on Cupid! on Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!”
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;
A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.
His eyes — how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath;
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,
“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night.”
The Santa Claus Oath
- I will seek knowledge to be well versed in the mysteries of bringing Christmas cheer and good will to all the people that I encounter in my journey and travels.
- I shall be dedicated to hearing the secret dreams of both children and adults.
- I understand that the true and only gift I can give, as Santa is myself.
- I acknowledge that some of the requests I will hear will be difficult and sad. I know in these difficulties there lies an opportunity to bring a spirit of warmth, understanding and compassion.
- I know the “real reason for the season” and know that I am blessed to be able to be part of it.
- I realize that I belong to a brotherhood and will be supportive, honest and show fellowship to my peers.
- I promise to use “my” powers to create happiness, spread love and make fantasies come to life in the true and sincere tradition of the Santa Claus Legend.
- I pledge myself to these principles as a descendant of St. Nicholas the gift giver of Myra.
May we all strive to embody the generous, loving spirit of Santa Claus, bringing joy and warmth to those around us during the holiday season and beyond.
All words, contents, images, and descriptions of the Santa Claus Oath including the Santa Claus Oath Crest are copyrighted under an attachment with Arcadia Publishing by Phillip L. Wenz. ISBN # 978-0-7385-4149-5 and LCCC # 2007925452 – All rights reserved.