What does Santa Claus have to do with Jesus’ birthday?
Ian
What does Santa Claus have to do with Jesus’ birthday?
Clive
Oh, good question! Some would say “nothing,” but that’s not entirely true. What’s Santa Claus’s real name?
Ian
Um … Henry?
Clive
No. “Jolly old …”
Ian
St. Nicholas!
Clive
Right! St. Nicholas was a Christian – a priest in Europe who helped the poor by dropping gold coins through their windows at night. He became so popular that churches began celebrating Saint Nicholas Day on December 6th each year. Children would set a shoe or a boot by the door, or hang a stocking by the window or the fireplace in hopes that Saint Nicholas would visit in the night and fill them with presents!
Ian
That sounds like Santa Claus!
Clive
Right! Nicholas gave to the poor to show them the love of Jesus – to celebrate what Jesus had done for him!
Ian
Amazing! So how did he become Santa Claus?
Clive
We’ll answer that question tomorrow!
