Santa Claus didn’t always wear a red suit or have a belly that jiggled like bowl full of Jelly.

In the 4th century Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, was a generous man, known to be devoted to children. After his death around 340 A.D. he was buried in Myra, but it is said that in 1087 Italian sailors stole his remains and removed them to Italy, increasing St. Nicholas’ popularity all throughout Europe.

His kindness and reputation for generosity led to claims he was able to perform miracles and devotion to him increased. St. Nicholas became the patron saint of Russia, where he was known by his red cape, flowing white beard.

Over the centuries many Europeans seemed to have forgotten Saint Nichols, but the legend was kept alive in Holland where he was known as Sinterklass. Dutch children would leave their shoes out and treats and small gifts would be left in them by Sinterklass. These traditions were brought to America in the 17th century by Dutch colonists, and there the Anglican name of Santa Claus emerged.

In 1822 Clement C. Moore wrote the poem, A Visit From Saint Nicholas published as The Night Before Christmas as a gift for his children.

Christmas Carols and Caroling. Gloria in exelsis Deo, et in terra pax hominibus bonae voluntatis.

These are believed to be the words that rang out during the birth of the Christ child, therefore, this is considered to be the first Christmas carol.

Saint Francis of Assisi is said the be the “father of caroling”

Only church officials had been encouraged to sing carols, but in 1223, St. Francis set up a miniature nativity scene Greechio, Italy. Soon after this time, many churches began to do this, and people would act out the events of the Holy night. Many of the actors would compose and sing songs during their plays, and would later wander the streets still singing.

Poinsettias. Poinsettias are the traditional plant of Christmas.

An old Mexican legend tells that a poor girl wanted to give a gift to the Virgin Mary during Christmas Eve service, yet had nothing of worth to offer. On her way to the church she was met by an angel who tells her to pick some weeds at the roadside. She bends down and although she does not find the common weeds appropriate, picks a handful, and makes her way to the church.

When she places the handful of common weeds on the alter, they burst into beautiful red poinsettia blooms. The Mexicans renamed it Flor de Nochebuena meaning Christmas Eve Flower.

Some Interesting Facts.

• An old wives tale says that bread baked on Christmas day will never go moldy
• Electric Christmas tree lights were first used only three years after Thomas Edison gave his first public display of electric lights in 1879
• The sharply pointed leaves of Holly are thought to symbolize the thorn of Christ’s crown and the berries drops of his blood
• Told the day before Christmas that the church organ was broken, Austrian Priest Joseph Mohr was compelled to write a song that could be sung to guitar music. He wrote Silent Night because he could not stand to think of Christmas without music.
• According to legend, Saint Nicholas first left gold coins in the stockings of three peasant girls who could not afford dowries. Their wet stockings had been left hanging by the fire to dry.

Happy Holidays!