Saint Nicholas ( AD) Santa Claus Feast day: December 6 th

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 18 th 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???? 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 S T M A S JESUS IS THE REAL REASON FOR THE SEASON- SAINT NICHOLAS THOUGHT SO TOO!