Navigation
Newsletter
Sponsors
Santa Claus, also known as Saint Nicholas, Father Christmas, Kris Kringle or simply Santa, is the legendary and
mythical figure who, in many Western cultures, brings gifts to the homes of the good children during the late evening and overnight hours
of Christmas Eve, December 24 or on his Feast Day, December 6 (Saint Nicholas Day).The legend may have part of its basis in
hagiographical tales concerning the historical figure of gift giver Saint Nicholas.
While Saint Nicholas was originally portrayed wearing bishop's robes, in modern times, Santa Claus is generally depicted as a plump,
jolly, white-bearded man wearing a red coat with white collar and cuffs, white-cuffed red trousers, and black leather belt and boots.
This image became popular in the United States and Canada in the 19th century due to the significant influence of caricaturist and political
cartoonist Thomas Nast. This image has been maintained and reinforced through song, radio, television, and films. In the United Kingdom
and Europe, his depiction is often identical to the American Santa, but he is commonly called Father Christmas.
One legend associated with Santa says that he lives in the far north, in a land of perpetual snow. The American version of Santa Claus says
that he lives at his house in the North Pole, while Father Christmas is often said to reside in the mountains of Korvatunturi in
Lapland Province, Finland. Santa Claus lives with his wife Mrs. Claus, a countless number of magical elves, and eight or nine flying
reindeer. Another legend of Santa says that he makes a list of children throughout the world, categorizing them according to their
behavior (naughty or nice) and that he delivers presents, including toys, candy, and other gifts to all of the good boys and girls in the
world, and sometimes coal to the naughty children, on the single night of Christmas Eve. He accomplishes this feat with the aid of the elves
who make the toys in the workshop and the reindeer who pull his sleigh.
There has long been opposition to teaching children to believe in Santa Claus. Some Christians say the Santa tradition detracts from the
religious origins and purpose of Christmas. Other critics feel that Santa Claus is an elaborate lie, and that it is unethical for parents
to teach their children to believe in his existence. Still others oppose Santa Claus as a symbol of the commercialization of the Christmas
holiday, or as an intrusion upon their own national traditions.




