Father Christmas: How did the legend of Christmas' most popular hero come about?

Ho, ho, ho! Hello, my dear friends! This is Father Christmas himself speaking - yes, the one with the reindeer, presents and the sound of bells carrying through the winter sky. In this post, I will tell you about myself. You will find out who I am and what legends there are about me. Fasten your seatbelts (or sleigh bells), because we are about to embark on a magical journey through the ages!

Who was the real Santa Claus?

Before there were elves, gingerbread men and letters written on coloured paper, there was a bishop. Yes, that's right! His name was Nicholas and he lived in the 4th century in the city of Mira (today's Turkey). He was known for his:

• kindness,
• helping the poor,
• love of giving gifts (without expecting anything in return!),
• miracles attributed to his prayers.

He was the inspiration for later stories about me - Father Christmas!

From Myra to Europe - how did the legend spread?

News of the good bishop spread quickly around the world. In the Middle Ages, the cult of Saint Nicholas was very strong, especially in:

• Germany,

• Netherlands,
• England,
• Scandinavia.

In these countries, children began to receive small gifts on my feast day, 6 December.

Whose patron saint is Father Christmas?

Ho, ho, ho! Despite appearances, I'm not just the patron saint of presents and sweet smiles! Saint Nicholas of Myra is one of the most versatile patron saints in the entire calendar of saints.

Saint Nicholas is the patron saint of:

• children - because he always had a good heart for them;
• sailors and fishermen - because he saved many of them during storms;
• merchants - because he supported fair trade and helped the needy;
• bakers and millers - because he distributed bread to the hungry;
• prisoners - especially those unjustly accused;
• students and pupils - because he valued knowledge and honesty;
• cities and countries - including Moscow, Amsterdam, Berlin and all of Russia!

Interestingly, he is also sometimes called upon as a guardian in difficult family and financial matters. That's the way it is with Santa - always close to ordinary people.

Encountering Anglo-Saxon culture - the birth of Santa Claus

When the Dutch settled New Amsterdam (i.e. today's New York), they brought with them their version of Santa Claus - Sinterklaas. It was he who evolved into the Santa Claus that is known in the USA.

What happened then was a real revolution! Santa Claus:

• took up residence at the North Pole,
• got a sleigh and flying reindeer,
• became the hero of poems and advertisements,
• started bringing presents on 25 December.

Coca-Cola and the red mug - the legend takes on more colour

In the 1930s, the Coca-Cola company decided to promote me even more. And so:

• I got a new red outfit with white fur,
• my face became more friendly and smiling,
• I look exactly as you see in today's adverts!

Santa Claus today - more than just presents

Today, the legend of Father Christmas is not just a sack full of presents. It is also:

• a symbol of kindness and sharing with others,
• an inspiration to help (after all, Christmas is a time of the heart!),
• the magic of childhood, which comes back even to adults.

And although I am a little different every year - once fatter, once skinnier, once in a sleigh, once on a bike - my message remains the same: Be good, help others and don't forget to be happy!

Ho, ho, ho - in conclusion!

Now you know how the legend of me - Father Christmas - came about. From a humble bishop in Mir to the star of Christmas films, books and evenings by the fireplace.

And if you haven't yet written me a letter.... well, it's never too late!

Ho, ho, ho! Merry Christmas, my dears!