The True Story of St. Nick

“Nicholas was born to wealthy parents in a tiny village in the country we today call Turkey. Though Nicholas was a child of privilege, he was raised a Christian and at a very young age was devoted to the faith. Nicholas' parents died while he was yet a boy. And not knowing what to do with himself or the fortune he inherited, he turned to his Bible and read the words of admonishment that Christ gave to a wealthy man: 'Sell all thou hath and give it to the poor and follow me.'" (source)

“Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. He dedicated his life to serving God and was made Bishop of Myra while still a young man. Bishop Nicholas became known throughout the land for his generosity to those in need, his love for children, and his concern for sailors and ships.” (source)

“He is almost always seen [in paintings of him] with three bags or balls as well, symbolizing the three bags of gold he tossed through the chimney of the home of a poor man in his village for the daughters' dowry, so they would not be sold as slaves. Thus he is also seen as the ‘gift-giver.’” (source) It is said that some of these gold balls fell into the stockings that were hung up to dry. In remembrance of this, today many people put oranges in the toes of Christmas stockings. (source)

St. Nicholas died on December 6, 352 A.D. He was put into a sarcophagus at Myra. Now December 6 is celebrated by many around the world as St. Nicholas Day. (Seal 2)

So how did a kind and slender bishop become a portly man in a red suit? There are 4 steps. First, in Washington Irving’s book Knickerbocker’s History of New York, he falsely describes the man as a large, smoking Dutchman. Second, a poem called “The Children’s Friend” is published. This contained an engraving portraying St. Nick “with a thick coat, tall fur hat, and copious beard.” (Walsh 8) Third, Troy Sentinel published “A Visit from St. Nicholas” which portrays him as a fat, short, “jolly old elf.” Fourth, Thomas Nast drew multiple illustrations of the new Santa. He drew Santa wearing the clothes that we see in all Santa’s pictures today. This is how St. Nicholas became the “Santa” of modern times, and such a famous figure. (source, Walsh 8)

Works Cited

Seal, Jeremy. Nicholas: The Epic Journey from Saint to Santa Claus. New York: Bloomsbury Publishing. 2005.

Walsh, Joseph. J. Were They Wise Men or Kings?: The Book of Christmas Questions. Louisville, Kentucky: Westminster John Knox Press. 2001.