WHICH SANTA BEST PRESENTS THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS?

A 13th-century depiction of St. Nicholas from Saint Catherine’s Monastery, Sinai (from here)

Who is Santa Claus (en.wikipedia.org)? Are you familiar with the word legend? Examine the origin of Santa Claus (britannica.com). Consider how the historical St. Nicholas is now remembered by children. What changed over time? How was the legend formed?

A legend is part truth and part fiction. Who today do we think is Santa Claus? We have a commercialized version of Santa Claus that was swiped from a poem for children, A Visit from St. Nicholas by CLEMENT CLARKE MOORE. Doesn’t everyone know how it begins?

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;
The children were nestled all snug in their beds;
While visions…