Santa Claus

The myth of Santa Claus has delighted children and adults for centuries. While the story of the man Americans call "Santa Claus" has commonalities with how the story is told in other countries, there are some interesting difference as well. The story of Santa Claus is part myth and part truth, and ultimately each person has to decide for him or herself how much to believe.

The original Santa Claus was Saint Nicholas, who lived in what is now present-day Turkey during the fourth century A.D. Although records aren't completely clear, he was probably a bishop. He was persecuted by the Romans for his Christian faith (UMKC, 2004). He was revered for his generosity and kindness, and for miracles that helped the poor and troubled. Among others, the faithful believed that he had provided dowries for three young women so they would not have to enter lives of...
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