Faith Filled Family Magazine October 2016 | Page 63

time and culture to the modern
day Santa Claus we all are familiar with.

time in the 1200s France began
celebrating his life each year on
December 6th as Bishop Nicolas
Day, which included giving gifts
Modern day Santa Claus origi- to children who obeyed their parnated from St. Nicholas, born in ents. Once the protestant refor280 AD in what is now the coun- mation began though, his status
try of Turkey. He was known for fell in most of northern Europe
having a heart for the poor and and the virtual worship of him
children. He delivered gifts to ceased. Yet, society at large had
them at night because he wanted grown to endear the gift giving
to stay anonymous for his deeds aspects that surrounded Bishtowards them. St. Nicholas died op Nicholas Day and the day
a popular and revered Bishop of celebration was moved from
on December 6th, sometime December 6th to coincide with
in the early 400s AD. Between the celebration of Christ’s birth

birth of our Savior.

his death and being codified as
a saint by the Eastern Catholic
Church by 800 AD, he was the
patron saint for children, multiple
groups, and even countries.
His popularity and legend raised