Tracing the roots of Santa Claus

As Christmas draws near and holiday cheer fills the air, one figure looms large in the imaginations of children and adults alike: Santa Claus. With his twinkling eyes, rosy cheeks and hearty "Ho, ho, ho!" Santa is now synonymous with the spirit of giving, but few are aware that his origins stretch back centuries, through a rich history of generosity, religious devotion, and evolving cultural traditions.

The Saint Behind the Legend

The story of Santa Claus can be traced all the way back to the 3rd century and a monk named Saint Nicholas. Born around 280 A.D. in Patara, near modern-day Myra (in...