christmas cards santa claus

Christmas – The Legend of Santa Claus – Who is This Unusually Dressed Fellow!
Executive Summary about christmas santa claus by Bernadette Dimitrov

One of the greatest highlights of Christmas is Santa Claus whose legend turned him into a magical kind-hearted, noble, and generous “good fairy Godfather” today!

Santa was originally a Bishop who after his death became the legendary Saint Nicholas. Originally Saint Nicholas was the Christian Bishop of Myra (today known as Turkey). Back in those days Myra was predominantly populated with Greeks. The Turks didn’t arrive until the 11th century AD. This Bishop was a generous and kind-hearted man, devoted particularly to children. Medieval people believed relics of Saints had healing powers and every church had a store of them. The sailors increased his popularity in Europe with stories of his kindness and generosity which lead to increased devotion with stories of miracles.

St Nicholas became so popular, loved and adored by the people that he was honored as the patron Saint of just about everything! He was indeed the national Saint of Greece and Russia where churches were named in the thousands after him. Known by his red cape, flowing white beard and Bishop’s miter he also become the patron Saint:

- in Greece of sailors

- in Belgium of children and travelers

An official church holiday was created in St Nicholas’ honor some time around the 12th century. Traditionally the day was honored each year with celebrations and marked by gift giving and charity.

How did his name transform from Saint Nicholas to Santa Claus?

After the Reformation, European followers of Saint Nicholas dwindled but the legend was kept alive in Holland. Dutch children have a magical tradition where they excitedly leave their wooden shoes by the fireplace and “Sinterklaas” would reward good children by placing treats in their shoes. The Dutch colonists brought this fun tradition with them to America in the 17th century where the spelling of his name “Sint Nikolaas” was eventually and affectionately transformed to “Sinterklaas”. Hence the Anglican name “Santa Claus” emerged which is now the most popular name he is known by today! However others suggest the Anglican name comes from the Germans. As “Santa” is said to have come from the word “Saint” and “Claus” is an abbreviation for the name Nicholas in Germany.

It was by the mid 1850’s that the red and white fat jolly version we know today gained popularity.

The American image of Santa Claus developed from the Dutch austere Sinterklaas; a bishop in a red bishop’s costume who rode a white horse. The evolution of the image of Santa Claus continued in 1823 with the publication of the famous poem by Clement C Moore “A Visit From Saint Nicholas”.

In England by the mid 19th century Santa was a fat, red faced, jovial character who wore glasses and a crown of holly on his head. Dr Clement C Moore (an Episcopal Minister) in 1822 described Santa Claus as a benevolent plump jolly man in a red suit. He originally wrote the famous poem “A Visit from Saint Nicholas” for his 3 daughters after an inspirational moonlight sleigh ride home from the market after buying a Christmas turkey.

This poem helped to popularize the idea of Santa Claus visiting on Christmas Eve.

Surprise Kids With Santa Claus Letters and Christmas Gifts
Executive Summary about christmas santa claus by Aaron Y Hu

Kids of all ages become excited by the prospect of receiving a visit from that jolly old elf, Santa Claus. It is now possible to turn this excitement up to a new level in children. You can surprise your kids with Santa Claus letters and Christmas gifts in the mail before Christmas Eve.

Santa Claus letters are offered by a number of different sources. Wherever they come from, the goal is to make a child believe that he/she has received a letter from Santa Claus. One truly interesting way to accomplish this is to have a special Christmas gift included in the Santa letter. Santa related craft kits can also be used. Children, naturally, love to receive mail. Many Santa Claus letters even include a North Pole postmark.

Santa Claus letters can be easily edited and personalized at the time of ordering. This assures that each child will receive a unique and personal letter that pertains only to him/her. The letter will mention the child by name, age, and other personal information provided by the parents. Special Christmas gifts included in the letter add to their impact. As previously stated, what the gift is does not matter as much as the child believing that it came from Santa. The combination of Santa letters and Christmas gifts may extend the number of years that your child believes in Santa.

Christmas is always a time of wonder for children. Many children send letters to Santa Claus to let him know how good they have been all year and what sort of Christmas gifts they would like to receive. Wouldn’t it surprise your kids to receive Santa letters and Christmas gifts back in the mail?

My wife loves cruises and we’ve never been on one together. I reserved one for Christmas (for Spring 2009) but I am not sure how I should wrap it up? should I print out the itinerary? any good suggestions? thanks

I need to know this for my daughter, she has about 20 friends that she wants to give presents to. I need something cute, but not cheap or corny. Please help me its not very long until its christmas time so i need some help!! THANX!!!
Hey I need stuff for my 13 yr olds friends. You know, friend gifts!?!