Santa Claus, the name that comes every year in December, has a rich history which stretches back to the third century. The origin of Santa Claus can be traced back to St. Nicholas, a fourth century Greek bishop known for his generosity and kindness.
St. Nicholas was born in modern day Turkey and became famous for his acts of generosity as he used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, sick and suffering. His acts spread throughout Europe, and he was known as such as Sinterklass in the Netherlands or Father Christmas in England. His giving acts were so celebrated and widespread that St. Nicholas himself served as a personification of the holiday Christmas.
In the 19th century, the image of Sinterklaas, a modern day Santa Claus, began to shape in the United States. Poets like Clement Clarke Moore who wrote of “A Visit From St. Nicholas” and writers like Washington Irving helped popularize Sinterklass, or Santa Claus, stories around New York. Artists such as Thomas Nast helped solidify the image of Santa as a bearded man in a red suit who delivers presents to children by flying in a sleigh pulled by reindeer around the world. As the symbol of Christmas, Santa Claus encouraged addressing generosity, joy and celebration among the people.
Gift giving has been an integral part of the contemporary Christmas holiday. Millions of people around the world celebrate the holiday by exchanging gifts, decorating their houses, hosting parades and hosting feasts with friends and families. At Green Hope, Christmas is recognized with fundraisers such as Toys for Tots, which are implemented to help the underprivileged get gifts and spread joy with their friends or families for the holiday season. Moreover, events such as spirit week and door decorating competitions help unify and create a sense of festivity and joy around the community.
Today, Santa Claus represents more than just a historical figure. He is a global symbol of kindness and generosity in the whole world. Around the world, Santa is named and styled differently, such as “Father Christmas” in England, who wears a green cloak and a wreath of holly, or “Los Reyes Magos” (The Wise Men) in Spain, where there are three men who are considered as Santa and the children write letters to their favorite men. Santa Claus is a figure of remembrance, joy and kindness shared during Christmas.
