Once a year the hopes and dreams of children around the world are met when presents are given to all the good little girls and boys. Of course, the presents are delivered by the busiest delivery entity: Santa Claus! Once a year, Santa delivers presents around the world on Christmas eve, by his sleigh powered by flying reindeer. While Santa Claus has been a popular figure in the United States and around the world, the history of Santa is a long saga.
Sinterklaas
The origins of Santa Claus can be traced back to older Dutch traditions. The legend of Sinterklaas has presents being delivered in early December by horseback. According to legend, Sinterklaas would go through a village and throw sweets to people. Sinterklaas dressed like a Bishop with a long robe, and had long white hair and a white beard.
- Christmas in Holland - information on the Dutch origins of Sinterklaas.
- Sinterklaas Traditions - informative resource providing information on the Dutch origins of Sinterklaas.
- Sinterklaas Legend - article outlining the Dutch legend of Sinterklaas.
- Story of Sinterklaas - stories about the origins of the Dutch Santa Claus.
Saint Nicholas
Historians who are looking to trace the origins of Santa Claus can trace it back to the 4th Century. It was then that it was said Saint Nicholas would give gifts once a year and that his identity would remain a secret. Nicholas was a priest who would eventually be named as a Bishop. Several decades after his death, Bishop Nicholas was recognized for his kindness and generosity and was named a Saint.
- Who is Saint Nicholas? - helpful article with information on the beginnings of Saint Nicholas.
- Saint Nicholas Information - information on the life of Saint Nicholas and the work he did.
- Saint Nicholas Biography - biographical look at the life of Saint Nicholas.
- The Real Saint Nicholas - informative website with a look at the real life forerunner of Santa Claus.
- History of Saint Nicholas - useful information on the history and legend of Saint Nicholas.
- Saint Nicholas History - information on the history of Saint Nicholas around the world.
Santa Claus
The exact moment that Santa Claus was recognized as a giver of gifts is a subject for debate. Many people look to the drawings of Thomas Nast who portrayed Santa Claus in the way that we recognize him. Others point to the famous commercials of Coca Cola Company which showed the famous red suit and white beard that we know as part of Santa Claus. Either way Santa came into our public perception we know Santa as a jolly man, with rosy cheeks, white beard, red suit and a hearty ho ho ho.
- Santa Claus History - facts and information on the history of the legend of Santa Claus.
- History and Legend of Santa Claus - helpful resource discussing the history and legend of Santa Claus.
- History of Santa Claus - historical rendition of the fable of the origin of Santa Claus.
- Santa Claus and Father Christmas - information on the tradition and history of Santa Claus and Father Christmas worldwide.
- History and Legend of Santa Claus - informative site with the history and legend of Santa Claus.
- Santa Claus and Thomas Nast - images and information on the cartoons that were drawn by Thomas Nast depicting the modern version of Santa Claus.
- Santa Claus Coca Cola Image - historical image of the Coca Cola advertisement showing Santa Claus.
Santa Traditions
While Santa Claus is a mystery to many people, there are many traditions associated with him. He delivers toys and gifts once a year, on Christmas Eve, to all good boys and girls. He can tell whether a child has been naughty or nice based on being on his famous list. Santa Claus makes his home in the North Pole and has teams of elves that make toys throughout the year. And, of course he delivers his toys with the help of a sleigh pulled by eight reindeer which fly through the night
- Santa Claus Facts and Traditions - useful collection of information and facts surrounding the traditions of Santa Claus and Christmas.
- The Tradition of Santa Claus - helpful article outlining some of the common traditions from around the world.
- Santa and Christmas Traditions - information on the various traditions of Santa Claus, Father Christmas and St. Nicholas.
- Christmas Traditions - facts and information outlining some of the common traditions from Christmas from around the world.
- Traditions of Christmas - useful resource showing some of the common traditions found during Christmas.
- St. Nicholas Day - resource providing information on a holiday celebration of St Nicholas Day in Europe.
- History of Father Christmas - helpful resource about the traditions and origins of Father Christmas.
Santa and Kids
One of the most special parts of the Christmas holiday is the excitement in the faces of children who are anxiously awaiting the arrival of Santa. Children make this holiday one of the most exciting times of year, with promises of being nice, so that they are on Santa's good list. Children and parents look to decorate homes for Christmas and leave stocking hung up so that Santa will be able to put gifts in it.
- Santa Claus and the North Pole - fun website for kids to learn about Santa and his home.
- Santa Animations - images and animations with Santa Claus as the primary theme.
- Santa Online Games - collection of fun online games about Santa Claus and Christmas for kids.
- Online Santa Claus Games - educational and fun online games and puzzles for kids.
- Kids Christmas Games - resource containing several online kids games about Christmas and Santa Claus.
- Games For Christmas - free online games for teachers, parents and children with a holiday theme.
Article written by Janice D. McDonald