Sara Sandstrom, Peak to Peak. By most accounts the idea of someone giving gifts goes back to the fourth century AD in what is today Turkey. A man by the name of Nicholas who became a Bishop was known for his kindness and generosity to children and to the poor. 

He was canonized by the Roman Catholic Church and his story of giving to children spread across Europe. Saint Nicholas Day is still celebrated in many European countries on December 6. 

While remembering Saint Nicholas, different ideas and traditions started to be moved to December 25, Christmas Day. England has Father Christmas, the Netherlands has Sinterklaas, and some Norse and Germanic traditions were thrown in the mix. 

These ideas came to North America with European immigrants. Pictures were drawn and poems, songs and books were written as the Santa Claus we know and love today has slowly developed over time. In the 1920s even the Coca-Cola Company started an advertisement campaign using a jolly old man with a white beard and red suit to sell its product. This image of Santa Claus was first drawn by Thomas Nast. In 1863 Harper’s Weekly asked Nast to help boost the spirits of soldiers and civilians during the US Civil War. From his pen came the image of Santa Claus that we all recognize today. 

Through all the cultural traditions that have been shared and combined, the generosity of gift giving at Christmas time still has its roots in fourth century AD. Nicholas’ reputation of kindness and goodwill became legendary. Saint Nicholas was known for caring for people. Let’s do the same. 

(Originally published in the December 24, 2020, edition of The Mountain-Ear.)