During the Christmas season, we often hear the song Santa Claus is coming to town! As a child, I waited for him or her but never saw. Was I being deceived? Is Santa Claus real? As it appeared, I wasn’t the only one asking those questions.
The idea of Father Christmas is deeply rooted in the celebration of Christmas where I was. Yes, it was obvious to us that Jesus Christ was the figure in the story, especially his birth. But there was another person called Santa Claus, a loving, caring giver who was said to have surprise packages for children.
Sometimes we were told that Santa Claus was coming to town, so we often went to church hoping that he would show up first at the House of God. And a few times we saw a figure dressed in a red and white costume with a strange-looking black shoe and a big bag. I guess that was the surprise bag!
Honestly, I thought I had seen Santa Claus but did not know which it was, as there were many Fathers of Christmas dressed as Santa Claus. Regarding that, I’ve gotten some sweets a number of times from some of them. So who cares? Oh, I do.
I have come to think about the idea of a Santa Claus existing and why there were many figures claiming to be Santa. So, I asked again, Is Santa Claus real or not? Let’s find out!
Is Santa Claus real?
To know whether or not Santa Claus is real, it is essential to ask, Who is Santa Claus? And how did Santa Claus start? You might have noticed that I had a preconceived idea about a Santa Claus that I never really met, so how did I come about that?
Well, it was part of the stories I was told at Christmas. I mean, it was a popular one! But how did the story come about, and how true is it? I went on a hunt for the answers to these questions and will share what I found out with you for free!
Recommended Read: A History Of Christmas: What Is It And Why Is It Celebrated?
The story of Santa Claus is believed to be an invention of the 18th century. It is a legend that was created after a significant figure that existed around the 3rd to 4th century AD in the person of Saint Nicholas.
A History About Saint Nicholas
Who was Saint Nicholas? Saint Nicholas was a prominent Christian in the early common era. Tradition has it that he was born around March 15, 270 AD, in a city called Patara in ancient Lycia, and grew up to become the Bishop of Myra in Lycia. That Lycia is believed to be part of modern-day Turkey.
The Bishop, Saint Nicholas, also called Nicholas of Bari, was well-known for being kind and generous to people, and sooner or later, he became the inspiration for many legendary stories, including miracles he did and kind acts he performed towards the poor, earning him the title of a wonder-worker. But did Saint Nicholas show forth generosity? If yes, did he have reasons for doing so? So it seems.
It is believed that Nicholas became an orphan at a young age with an inheritance from his parents. At the time, he was inspired by the story of the young rich man in the Bible, who came to Jesus to ask what he must do to have eternal life. After some exchange of words, Jesus told the rich man to sell his properties and help the poor. Then he should come and follow him. So Nicholas decided to use his inheritance to assist the poor and needy.
Later in Nicholas’ life, he was elected as a bishop, exiled and imprisoned during the Great Persecution under Emperor Diocletian, later freed, and participated in the 325 meeting at the Council of Nicea. It is told that it was at that meeting that the good guy got angry and slapped Arius, a Cyrenaic presbyter, on the face over doctrinal issues.
However, on December 6, 343 AD, Saint Nicholas died and was buried in his church. Later events included people coming to pay homage to him and the setting aside of a day in memory of the late Bishop, Saint Nicholas. As it is said, his remains were recovered in 1087 and returned to Italy, where they were enshrined in the Basilica di San Nicola, a church in Bari, southern Italy.
When is Saint Nicholas Day? December 6 was the day that was set aside for Saint Nicholas, and it coincides with the season in which Christmas is celebrated. That sounds like a lead to the legendary depiction of his character! So is Santa Claus real? Yes. But the real Santa Claus differs from the ones you watch on TV.
The Invention of Santa Claus
A group of people called the Dutch have been credited with the invention of Santa Claus. The idea spread in the 19th century, around the period when Dutch immigrants brought the legend of Sinterklaas to a place called New Amsterdam, now New York City.
The idea evolving into the modern-day Santa Claus is believed to have been shaped and influenced by the artistic works of some authors, including Thomas Nest, Clement Moore, Norman Rockwell, N. C. Wyeth, and Haddon Sundblum.
In addition, some attribute some aspects of Santa Claus to Odin, one believed to have flown in the sky with a horse and the help of birds. The depiction of Santa Claus in this way is found in Christmas movies.
However, a common outlook on Santa Claus is a man dressed in a red and white coat with a black shoe, a red cap with a white rim, a west belt, and a sack of gifts. So what are the gifts for?
Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
Remember the song, Santa Claus is coming to town? The lyrics of the pre-chorus say, and I quote,
He knows when you are sleeping. He knows when you’re awake. He knows when you’ve been bad and good. So be good for goodness sake.
Now, we see the gifts were for children who did that which was good so as to encourage good morals against immoral behaviors among the young ones. So those who want to be rewarded by Santa Claus would have to do good, knowing that Santa is watching and seeing their every move. How true! Haha.
How Old Is Santa Claus?
On November 8, 2024, I sent a mail to Santa Claus asking him how old he was. Wait, I sent two letters, so I got two separate returning letters. Looking at the last one, which is the most recent on my mind, Mr. Santa did not reveal his age, claiming Mrs. Claus doesn’t like him saying it. Why? Because it might make her feel old? Interesting.
The good news is, in the first letter I received from Santa Claus on the same day, Mr. Santa revealed how old he was! So how old is Santa Claus? Below is what he said about that.
Let’s see now, how old am I? I stopped counting at 550. But, I think I’m about 1,753 years, 11 months, 3 days, 2 hours, and 43 minutes old, give or take 1,000 years!
I guess it’s a fun time, so let’s do the math on a yearly basis: 2024 – 1753 = 271. Well, what we know is that Saint Nicholas was likely born in 270 AD, but since the letter from Santa suggests he was born a year after, perhaps that’s it. Otherwise, Santa Claus would be around 1754 years old in 2024.
So, to give a definite answer to the question, how old is Santa Claus? If we go with Saint Nicholas being born in 270 AD, Santa Claus is exactly 1754 years old in the year 2024.
Where Is Santa Claus Right Now?
The concept of Santa Claus is right in the minds of those who believe in it. As for the person called Santa Claus, where is he right now? As it appears, he is dead. Yes. We may still have people imitating Santa around the world, but the person called Santa Claus is nowhere to be found.
It is believed that Saint Nicholas kicked the bucket around the year 343 AD, and if we’re to agree that he was the Santa Claus or that the idea originated from him, the idea lives in people’s minds but the person is late. So depending on what you are referring to, it can be either way.
In conclusion, we can agree that Santa Claus was an invention inspired by a real person, and the modern-day Jolly Santa Claus is a legendary depiction of the main character, popularly known as Saint Nicholas of Myra. Let me know what you think.
