The American version of St. Nicholas, or Santa Claus originally came from the Dutch version called Sinter Klaas. The Dutch settlers in New Amsterdam (New York) brought this fun and lively tradition to America.
This version of Santa has given the current myth its visual form and these most curious traditions:
A jolly old man with red and white clothes
Eight flying reindeer, later joined by Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer (an invention of Macy's Department Store!).
A home and workshop located at the North Pole
The tradition of filling stockings with presents on Christmas Eve.
Also the notion of entering houses through the chimney.
The most important single source for our modern day version of Santa Claus comes from the Christmas poem A Visit From St. Nicholas by Clement C. Moore. Written for his children in 1823, the family poem was later published for the general public and included what became the now famous picture of Santa Claus by Thomas Nast that solidified our modern day iconic image of Santa.
The modern Santa is the result of a mixing of many traditions: Christian and Pagan, Old Catholic, Scandinavian, Dutch, German and English.
There's something special about Christmastime. Santa brings us all together! Kids all over the world know who Santa is... And although he may be a little commercial, who can help, but love the jolly old elf?
It's the "spirit of giving" that unites us, fills the holidays with the warmth of family and kinship.
