Santa Claus exists. In movies, books, cartoons, traditions, stuffed stockings, and the hearts and minds of children of all ages. Whether known as Santa Claus, Kris Kringle, Babbo Natale, Father Christmas, Father Frost, or one of many other names, he is going to visit kids sometime soon. Just ask Virginia. The only problem with Santa is that there is always some spoil sport claiming there isn’t any proof that he exists. He’s just a story. Nobody gives away something for nothing. Blah, blah, blah.
So maybe Santa does have a teeny identity problem. Or maybe not. Maybe the doubters can poke holes in Santa’s existence but not so with Jolly Old St. Nick.
Jolly old St. Nick really was jolly, really was old, and really was real. Nicholas was born March 15, 270 A.D. in the Lycia province, part of present day Turkey. His parents died in an epidemic when he was young and he was raised by his uncle who was a monk at a local abbey.
Although the beneficiary of his parents’ significant wealth, Nicolas was raised simply at the monastery and eventually was ordained a priest and distributed his wealth among the poor. After many years in the Holy Land he returned to Lycia and was consecrated Bishop of Myra.
There have been many stories of his generosity but one of particular interest involves a poor man and his three daughters. The man had no money for dowries for his daughters and without them he feared the girls would remain unmarried and be forced to work as prostitutes to support themselves. Nicholas threw a bag of gold into the man’s window as the oldest daughter came of age and again as each of the other two did likewise. And so began the tradition of St. Nick secretly giving gifts to children.
Nicholas died a martyr on December 6, 343 and his feast day begins the Days of Giving. One particularly old custom was that children could receive gifts anytime from December 6, the Feast of St. Nicholas to January 6, the Feast of the Epiphany.
So yes Virginia, there is a St. Nicholas. If you’d like to celebrate in style, give something to someone every day for the next 30 days. You might run out of bags of gold but just a golden word or friendly gesture will do.
Wishing you the blessings of St. Nicholas today and always.
- Nicholas Icon by Jaroslav Čermák (1831-1878) via WikiCommons
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Thanks for the reminder of a real-life St. Nick who loved well and cared deeply for those in need. He was a man who truly loved his Lord–and it showed in how he lived. Would that we all would reflect such kindness and grace.
You’re going to do great for the Days of Giving!
Loved this and posted on Facebook too. My kiddo is just about to start questioning the existence of the big man and you gave me the perfect antidote to what might be a tough moment.
Thank you very much. It’s refreshing to be a potential problem solver. For a change! Happy holidays!
Hope you don’t mind that I used your post in my story on my own child’s discover of Santa and what it meant for us. 🙂
Not at all. I read your story. You’re a good mom!
Anybody out there reading this, go to https://otvmagazine.com/an-unbroken-oath-the-truth-about-belief-and-santa/ for a touching tale.
I hope you don’t mind I just blabbed to the whole world(!) where to go to see why you’re a good mom.
Thank you! Blab away. I need all the good press I can get. 🙂