Saint Nicholas (270-346AD)
Santa Claus
Feast day: December 6th
FACTS
 St. Nicholas was born during the third century in Turkey in a
place called Patara, Lycia
 He was born into a wealthy family and he was raised as a
Christian. His parents died when he was a young boy.
 Saint Nicholas gave all his inheritance money to the poor.
 His motto was taken from the Bible: “Sell everything you
own and give it to the poor”.
FACTS CONTINUED
 He gave to the poor and needy, doing this always in a quiet
way: he would select houses where he knew people were
poor and would to drop gold coins down the chimney.
Sometimes he would leave money in shoes that people left on
their doorstep.
People often wondered who this kind person was and one
day they discovered it was Nicholas.
 Nicholas became Bishop of Myra and he suffered for his faith
as he was often put in prison and was beaten and tortured
when it was uncovered that he was helping the poor.
Nicholas died on December 6, 343 and was buried in Myra
Cathedral in Turkey. A unique liquid called Manna formed
in his grave and became a relic of Saint Nicholas; this liquid
is said to have healing powers. It is an oil like substance and
is used to bless sick people today. This was part of the
miracle that led to him becoming a saint. The anniversary of
his death became Saint Nicholas’s day and was celebrated all
over the world. On this day people used to give presents to
one another.
 Through the centuries many stories and legends have been told of St.
Nicholas' life and deeds. These accounts help us understand who he
was and why he is so popular and important for people in need.
 One story tells of three school children, making their way to school
in Athens, Greece. A wicked innkeeper robbed, murdered them and
he hid their bodies. It happened that Bishop Nicholas was travelling
along the same route and stopped at this very inn. That night he
dreamed of the crime, got up, and summoned the innkeeper. As
Nicholas prayed to God the three students were restored to life .
 St. Nicholas is the Patron and protector of children.
 Another story about St. Nicholas is that he helped a man who could
not afford to look after his three children. One night he threw three
purses of gold down the man’s chimney and they fell into their
stockings that were drying by the fire. This is where the tradition of
putting a Christmas stocking out for Santa Claus began and possibly
why children believe that Santa Claus comes down the chimney.
 As a Bishop, Saint Nicholas would have worn red and again this is
thought to be where the symbolism of Santa as a man dressed in a red
suit originated from.
 Again, perhaps it was the kindness that Saint Nicholas showed to
others that led to the creation of the person Santa Claus. By the 18th
century St. Nick came to be depicted as a jolly man in the more
familiar red suit and white beard; a person who enjoys giving presents
to children. So that is why Santa is so popular today........
Question
Why do we give gifts at Christmas?
 We give gifts at Christmas because we know deep within
that it's good to express our love for those who are special
and important to us. Thanks to Nicholas, Santa is alive and
well. Our world would be a darker place without his
inspiring presence.
Jesus, Nicholas and Santa: What have
they all got in common????
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Care
Kindness
Love
Compassion
Respect
Peace
Giving
Joy
Christmas
But remember there are some differences between
Jesus and Santa
Let’s take a look.....
Santa lives in the North Pole
Jesus is everywhere
Santa rides on a sleigh
Jesus rides on wind and walks on water
Santa visits once a year and leaves presents under the Christmas tree
Jesus caters for all our needs for eternity
Santa comes down our chimneys uninvited
Jesus is a gentleman who waits to be invited in through the Gift of Prayer
You have to wait in line to see Santa
Jesus is always close by and never makes you wait
Santa says you better not cry
Jesus says Be not afraid, cast all your cares on me, I will care for you
Santa makes toys
Jesus makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs people who are broken
and builds up love and hope in peoples hearts
Santa may be the jolly man with the beard
who makes you laugh once a year
Jesus offers people joy and laughter that lasts forever, and is their strength
While Santa leaves gifts under the tree
Jesus made himself a free gift to the world and he even sacrificed his life for us by
dying on the cross.
Santa offers us silly words such as “ho ho ho”
Jesus offers us peace of heart and mind, health, hope, happiness and comfort
Remember the word is C
H R I ST M A S
JESUS IS THE REAL REASON FOR THE SEASONSAINT NICHOLAS THOUGHT SO TOO!