Santa Claus and Christmas
Santa Claus
First things first when we talk about the fat, fat man with the white, white beard who comes down chimneys all over the world on Dec 24-25 to deliver presents to those who have been nice we are talking about Santa Claus.
When we say Santa Clause we may be discussing a movie The Santa Clause starring Tim Allen.
How did Santa Claus come into being and what does he have to do with Christmas besides being faster than Fedex? Santa Claus is most likely to have been derived from Saint Nicholas and is a common yuletide figure in the western world.
But what does he have to do with Christmas other than present delivery? One story has it that Santa used to give anonymous donations of gold coins to persons in need. His popularity grew n Europe and Christmas presents were distributed on December 6th when the celebration of St. Nicholas took place.
Perhaps we can best understand Santa’s relationship to Christmas when we understand what Christmas means. Christmas means "Christ mass," which is a special celebration of the Lord's supper that is called a mass in the Roman Catholic Church. In many Protestant churches it may be called a Communion supper.
Santa has nothing to so with the religious celebration but everything to do with the secular one.
Over the years the secular Christmas which seems to be a contradiction in terms has become a commercial event with the focus on shopping. The fat and jolly man with the white hair and beard has been around since the 19th century but it was the 20th century when he came into his own and his likeness was everywhere.
I remember as a child leaving a bottle of coca-cola and some cookies out for Santa only to wake in the morning to find them gone, my sticking that was hung with care full and more presents under the tree that when I went to be.
When I got older and my sister stilled believed in Santa I got to drink the coke and eat the cookies.
This year I will be playing Santa Claus at the annual Rotary Christmas dinner. This is not the first time I have donned the red to spread kind words and distribute gifts, and it is likely that I will do so again.
Santa Claus is rooted in history but is a popular culture figure today who has been sued to encourage people to spend more than they can afford for gifts people do not really need.
Perhaps this season it is time to be charitable and remember those less fortunate and give appropriately.
coming to town
History
- History of Santa Claus
The history of Santa Claus
Do you belive in Santa Clause?
Comments
AUTHORThanks and thanks for dropping by, glad you liked the hub.
hi bob
i'm always interested to read how people see/believe santa ties in with christmas. this is a good article which i enjoyed reading :)
debs
- AUTHOR
Children do add magic to the season, thanks for the visit.
Bob, timely and yes I still do believe in Santa. In my country of birth (Holland) st. Nickolaas comes on December 6th and that being tomorrow around my family's table all decked out with actual wooden shoes and tooters (noisemakers) they will celebrate the day with those little tots whose beliefs make the magic all more worth while.
Dragonfly77
- AUTHOR
Ottawa, I thought you were nice.:)
Yay! Thanks. Other years, I would've said, "Oh-oh!" but this year my halo's shining pretty brightly.
Very diplomatic answer, by the way. I think they could've used you in Ottawa this week.
- AUTHOR
Being good is its own reward. :) Rudolph does like carrots and has a long memory he'll make sure you get the gifts your behvaiour merits.
I knew you looked familiar! I originally thought you were a member of ZZ Top, but now I know you're Santa! I've been a good girl this year, Santa....sad but true. Hope you've got me on the right list.
Were we the only ones that left a carrot out for Rudolph?
Great hub, Bob. I mean, Santa.
- AUTHOR
I like your alternative title, thanks for stopping by.
This hub was as good as your garden tales which could have been titled
"Garden Tales: Santa Claus and Christmas"
- AUTHOR
Teach your children well and lessons about giving are important. Thanks for adding to the story.
Just as we tell our children stories of fairies and princesses, and princes and most monsters defeated by good heroes, nothing wrong with teaching about Santa and the fun and art of giving. Love that part of Christmas, serving others is what makes the spirit bright. =)) gotta love it.
- AUTHOR
wise words don't buy if you don't have the cash. Thanks for the visit.
Nice seasonal hub :) I agree people spend WAY too much on junk that people do NOT need. It drives me crazy. If you don't have the CASH you can't AFFORD it!
- AUTHOR
B.T.is on the Naughty list and not the good one. :)
Maybe next time you'll listen when someone tells you they want an electric train set! mwa-ha-haaaa
- AUTHOR
Ah B.T.trying to get Santa arrested for driving reindeer under the influence. Thanks everyone for stopping by.
You look like you'd make a great Santa!
Well that explains it. I knew you looked familiar! Sorry about the fruitcake and bourbon, back in '72. We were all out of cookies and milk.
nice article from a expert.Check out mine funny xmas stuff
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