About St. Nicholas

St. Nicholas is celebrated around the world for his generosity and kindness. Traditions about him vary from place to place, but his reputation remains consistent. He is revered as a generous, kind, and compassionate man who used his substantial resources to help those in need.

One story about St. Nicholas involves three sisters from a poor family. Because their father could not provide a dowry, they were destined to a life of servitude. Upon hearing this, St. Nicholas secretly passed by the home of the sisters, leaving money so they could wed. He did this three times, and on one of his secret visits the father saw him and was able to thank him. This is one of many stories and legends that abound, but whether factual or fanciful, the theme repeated throughout history is that St. Nicholas loved people, and gave generously.

But why was he so generous?

What is often missed in all the tales surrounding this “jolly old elf” is that St. Nicholas was raised a devout follower of Jesus Christ. One of the key teachings that influenced his life involved Jesus instructing a rich young ruler to sell his possessions and give to the poor.

Over the years, however, the historic figure of St. Nicholas began to transform into the “Santa Claus” we know today. In North America, his image was greatly influenced by a simple little poem generally attributed to Clement Clarke Moore, an academic scholar.