Since this holiday will continue to be as inevitable as Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas Is You, let’s at least try to learn about the reasons, purposes, symbols, and other oddities that contribute to the Christ in Christmas. So, while you’re here, let’s dive into the story of one particularly holly and jolly symbol of the season: Santa Claus himself.
Santa Claus is based on Saint Nicholas, who lived from the late 3rd century to the mid-4th century in Myra, Turkey—a place not exactly known for snow or elves. He is recognized as a saint in both the Catholic and Orthodox traditions of Christianity and is the patron saint of an assortment of odd professions and practices, including sailors, archers, repentant thieves, brewers, and unmarried people (perhaps explaining the mistletoe).
Several legends about his life are dubious at best, but they’re no less believable than the modern myths surrounding Santa Claus. One of the earliest stories suggests that Saint Nicholas saved three young women from being forced into prostitution by dropping bags of gold into their house each night, allowing their father to pay off those trying to exploit them. It’s not the kind of gift you’d expect under the tree, but it’s certainly an impressive act of generosity.
Another about our beloved Saint Nicholas occurred in 325 A.D. during the First Council of Nicaea, one of the first major gatherings of Christian bishops and theologians. The council’s main purpose was to address Arianism, a controversial belief that Jesus was not divine. According to legend, Saint Nicholas, outraged by Arius’s teachings, approached him during the council and slapped him. This act landed Saint Nicholas on the Roman Empire’s naughty list, leading to his defrocking and imprisonment—coal in his stocking, indeed.
Unraveling how we transitioned from this 4th-century Turkish bishop to the modern-day Santa Claus would be like untangling a reel of Christmas lights. But if you’re interested in the truth about Santa Claus and other aspects of the Christ in Christmas, feel free to check out The Oxford Handbook of Christmas, a comprehensive look at the holiday’s history and traditions. Regardless, we can appreciate Saint Nicholas’s role in the Christian faith. May Christians have during the holiday season even half the fervor and passion that Saint Nicholas displayed in defending Jesus and all that he represents (and I say half because I don’t advocate slapping anyone).Ultimately, what needs to be remembered is that Christmas comes from Christianity, and Christianity comes from Christ. So whether you’re a Christian, an atheist, or haven’t yet defined your relationship with whatever higher power you believe in (remember to DTR, people), this season, at least pour your hot chocolate, tip your Santa hat to Saint Nicholas, and offer a little prayer of gratitude to Jesus for giving you a month off from whatever work you’re trying to escape.