Santa Claus

Photo: Santa Claus and his reindeer on postcard

It is believed that Santa Claus brings toys, sweets and other gifts for children during Christmas celebrations. He is also known as St. Nicholas, Saint Nick, Father Christmas, Christingle, Christkind and by many more names.

Santa Claus is a fictional character that cannot be traced to early Christian traditions or the Bible. His name first appeared in the American press in 1773 as a phonetic derivation of Sinterklaas.

The current image of Santa Claus is a combination of Father Christmas and another traditional gift-giver, Saint Nicholas who is known in Dutch as Sinterklaas. Saint Nicholas was a bishop, who lived in Greece in the 4th century AD.

According to the North American legend, Santa Claus lives at the North Pole with his wife Mrs. Santa Claus. He remains busy the whole year in his workshop making toys with the help of his elves.

On the Christmas Eve, he loads his sleigh with toys and other gifts and flies around the world. His sleigh is drawn by eight reindeer through the sky, stopping at each child’s house. He slides down the fireplace chimney of the house and leaves gifts for the child.

Traditionally, children leave for Santa refreshments like milk, cookies, Christmas pudding or other Christmas delicacies. They also leave carrots for Santa's reindeer.

It is believed that Santa categorizes children as good or bad according to their behavior. He presents good children with toys and other gifts. He gives lumps of coal for children who do not behave well.

Traditionally, children have been writing letters to Santa for many years, with wish lists of toys and promising good behavior. Postal authorities of countries such as Canada, Finland and UK have provided Santa Claus addresses with postcodes.

Santa Claus is a very popular figure for businesses. He appears in advertisements, sales promotions and other marketing programs weeks before Christmas.

Christmas, a short essay

Christmas is celebrated on December 25 every year. It is a festival to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. Jesus was born in Bethlehem, 10 km south of Jerusalem. Though it is one of the most important festivals in Christianity, it is also celebrated by people of other religions and faiths.

Informed by angels about the divine birth of baby Jesus in a manger, some shepherds went to see him. The Three Wise Men from the East, the Three Kings, spotted a new star moving in the sky and followed it until they reached baby Jesus. They presented him gifts of gold, incense and myrrh. These first visitors informed the world about the birth of Jesus.

Christmas decorations include colored lights, display of nativity scenes, garlands, mistletoe, etc. Carol singing is also an important tradition. People also setup Christmas Trees at homes, gardens, streets and public squares.

Another popular tradition is the visit of Santa Claus or similar figures such as Father Christmas or Saint Nicholas. Children eagerly wait for Santa Claus who gives them toffees, chocolates and other gifts.

Christmas is an occasion for get-togethers of family members and friends. They also exchange greetings and gifts. Many people and charitable organisations generously provide food and gifts to the needy and the poor.

Special foods for the festival include Christmas Cakes, pudding, almonds, candies, chocolates, Turkish delights, ginger, oranges and raisins.

Many cities and towns celebrate Christmas Day by decorating public buildings and streets with Christmas Trees, banners, flags, ribbons, balloons and electrical illuminations.

The central message of this celebration is universal love, brotherhood, kindness, peace and happiness among all humans.