St Nicholas was born during the third century in the village of Patara in Asia Minor, now on the southern coast of Turkey. His wealthy parents, who raised him to be a devout Christian, died in an epidemic while he was still young. Obeying Jesus’ words to “sell what you own and give the money to the poor” Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. He dedicated his life to serving God and was made Bishop of Myra as a young man.
As Bishop of Myra, Nicholas’s vigorous actions on behalf of his people and in defense of the Christian faith reveal a man who lived his convictions. Nicholas was not timid—he did what was necessary and was not easily intimidated by others’ power and position. His concern for the welfare of his flock and his stand for orthodox belief earned him respect as a model for bishops and a defender of the faith.
As the legend of St, Nicholas grew in Europe, it was inevitable that his legend would come to the land of opportunity, the United States. Over time, with the creative genius of men such as Clement Moore, Washington Irving, Thomas Nast, Norman Rockwell, Haddon Sundblom, and many actors in Hollywood, St. Nicholas took the persona of the Santa Claus we know today. Although he has changed in appearance, the Christian ideals of St. Nicholas: peace, love, joy, and benevolence are alive today in Santa Claus.