The Amazing Story of the Real Santa Claus

Stockings and gold

In the nearby town of Patara, a merchant had lost all his money, but had three lovely daughters. Because of his business failure, they lacked dowries – money required in those days to help a young couple get started in life.

The larger the dowry, the better the chance that a young woman would find a good, ambitious husband.

The father was despondent at the idea that they would have to live as servants and spinsters. The situation came to the ears of Nicholas, who under cover of darkness tossed a bag of gold in at the open window of the man's house as a dowry for the eldest girl -- and she was soon married.

Then Nicholas did the same for the second and third.

The last time, the father was on watch, recognized his benefactor and was overwhelmed with gratitude. Nicholas forbade him from telling anybody.

The bags of gold were said to have landed in stockings left in front of the fire to dry. This led to today’s custom of children hanging stockings on Christmas Eve.

Hero of Nicaea

According to one biographer – writing five centuries after Nicholas's death – Nicholas led the fight against the Arian heresy that denied the divinity of Christ.

Some biographers say he traveled to the Council of Nicaea and slapped Arius in the face! The other bishops were shocked that he would be so rude to Arias and relieved him as bishop. Then, according to legend, miraculously, both Jesus and Mary appeared to defend him. Nicholas' detractors quickly recanted. Perhaps only legend, these events were not recorded in the official accounts of the Council, which also don’t list Nicholas as a participant.

Today’s Nicaean Creed emerged from the Council – and today is repeated in many churches weekly, affirming that “We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, begotten of the Father, Light of Light, begotten and not made, being of one substance with the Father …”

Rescue of Basilios

Several centuries after his death, the townspeople of Myra were celebrating his feast day when a band of Arab pirates from Crete attacked the town, sacked its treasures and snatched prisoners to sell as slaves.

One captured youngster, Basilios, ended up as the personal cupbearer to the Emir, bringing his wine in a beautiful golden cup.

For Basilios' parents, who were devastated at the loss of their only child, the year passed slowly, filled with grief.

As St. Nicholas Day approached, his mother refused to join in the festivities. Instead, she went to church and prayed for her little boy. Far away, as Basilios was serving the Emir, he was suddenly whisked up and away. St. Nicholas appeared to the terrified boy, blessed him, and set him down at his home back in Myra.

The legend says that Basilios materialized in front of his praying mother, still holding the Emir's golden cup.

Santa Claus

In some countries, he is called Papa Noel, Sinter Klaus and yes, Santa Claus – which is derived from Santa, “saint” in many languages and Claus, short for Nicholas.

His tomb in Myra is still a popular place of pilgrimage. Around 1000 A.D., because of the many wars and attacks in the region, some Christians were concerned that access to the tomb might become difficult – particularly when Turkey was overrun by Islam. In the spring of 1087, sailors from Bari succeeded in spiriting away his bones and bringing them to Bari, a seaport on the southeast coast of Italy.

An impressive church was built over his crypt and many faithful continue to journey to honor the saint of children and sailors – and the inspiration for today’s Santa Claus.