When I first came to the States as a Belgian immigrant, I was very surprised by the difference between the American and the Christmas traditions back home.

In my country, we celebrate Saint Nicholas, which is the same as Santa (Saint) Claus (Nicholas) on December 6th. This is celebrated completely separately from Christmas. On the night of December 6th, the Holy Man comes from Heaven or from Spain by helicopter or by steamboat to deliver in one night gifts and goodies to all the children that have been good during the past year. The fact that Saint Nicholas is a holy man is obvious as he wears a bishop's costume, a mitre and a crosier. Also, in the lyrics, sung by the children during that period, the children's best friend is always referred to - with due respect- as "the holy man".

At Christmas, we have a "Christmas man", who has nothing to do with Santa Claus. This one (Kris Kringle) comes from Lapland (Finland) and travels with reindeer. However, he is never considered as important as Saint Nicholas. Therefore, I was very surprised, and a bit disappointed to learn that in the States, the puffy old man with red pajamas saying "ho, ho, ho", was actually representing a holy man.

Now, who was Saint Nicholas anyway ?

Saint Nicholas, also called Nicholas of Bari or Nicholas of Myra, was born in Patara, a seaport city in Asia Minor. He became bishop of Myra, the capital of the province. During the Roman persecution of Christians, he was imprisoned and later released. He then attended the first Council of Nicaea. Numerous legends have been reported about him, the most famous one, brought by St. Bonaventure, was the story of the Miracle of the children in the salting tub.

One day, the day he was on his journey to the Council of Nicaea, he entered an inn where the owner had killed two boys for their meager belongings. After that, the man placed the boys in salt, planning to sell them. Saint Nicholas brought the boys back to life and converted the innkeeper.

The transformation from Saint Nicholas into Santa Claus as Father Christmas, occurred when the Dutch became Protestant. They didn't want to honor a catholic saint but wanted to keep him as a popular children's figure. When the Dutch emigrated to America (New Amsterdam, New York City), they brought the Santa Claus tradition with them.

As Catholic parents, we can take the opportunity to tell our children the catholic version of the story. No matter if we live in a Saint Nicholas or a Santa Claus country. We can bring this back alive. It is so refreshing to be able to concentrate on a Saint's life amidst all these commercial Christmas preparations.

Sylvia Morgado

Sources:
And then there was Santa... (Catholic Online)
St. Nicholas of Bari (Catholic Information Network)