The Real St. Nick

There was a real St. Nicholas. Read the story of this holy man whose generosity and love for Jesus and children inspire the modern-day Santa Claus.

Did you know that December 6th was St. Nicholas Day? It’s a day to remember a devoted follower of Christ who became the prototype for Santa Claus. I love the stories I learned about the real St. Nicholas as a child and remember them today as we get close to Christmas Eve when Santa Claus comes to town!

There was a real man behind the story of Santa Claus. His name was Nicholas.

Who Was Saint Nicholas

Nicholas was born in the third century in Patara, a bustling city in Lycia, located in what is now southern Turkey. He grew up in a devout Christian family, deeply rooted in faith and love for Jesus. From an early age, Nicholas learned the importance of kindness and generosity—a foundation that would shape his extraordinary life.

Tragedy struck when Nicholas was still a boy. An epidemic claimed the lives of his parents, leaving him orphaned but with a vast inheritance. While many might have viewed such wealth as a means to a life of comfort, Nicholas saw it as an opportunity to serve others and live out the teachings of Jesus.

One particular story from the Gospels profoundly influenced him. As recorded in Mark 10:17-22, a man approached Jesus, asking what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus’ response—urging the man to sell all his possessions, give to the poor, and follow Him—resonated deeply with Nicholas. Unlike the rich man in the Gospel, who walked away saddened by the thought of parting with his wealth, Nicholas took these words to heart. He made it his mission to give generously and selflessly, dedicating his life and resources to those in need.

Nicholas used his inheritance to care for the poor, tend to the sick, and support the destitute. His acts of charity were often done in secret, reflecting his humility and his desire to glorify God rather than himself. His reputation for kindness and compassion grew, and despite his youth, he was chosen to be the Bishop of Myra, a city known for its vibrant Christian community.

As bishop, Nicholas became a beacon of hope, especially for the most vulnerable. He was renowned for his deep love for children and his unwavering commitment to aiding the poor and suffering. His life was a testament to the power of faith and generosity, inspiring countless acts of kindness that would echo through the centuries.

My St. Nick Story

When I was a very little girl, I had a cherished Christmas book that told the story of this remarkable Turkish saint. Though the book has long since disappeared, its vivid illustrations and heartfelt narrative left an indelible mark on my young mind.

One story, in particular, stood out to me then—and still does today. It told of how Nicholas secretly provided dowries for three destitute sisters. Their family was so impoverished that the girls faced a grim future, with the very real possibility of being forced into lives of prostitution. Moved by their plight, Nicholas decided to intervene.

According to the story, late one night, Nicholas tossed a bag of gold coins through the window of their home, where it landed in a stocking that had been hung by the fireplace to dry. He repeated this act of generosity two more times, ensuring each sister had enough for a proper dowry. This great kindness saved them from a desperate fate and allowed them to marry and build secure lives.

Nicholas’s anonymity in giving was part of what made the tale so powerful to me. He sought no recognition for his deeds; his focus was solely on showing love and compassion in a tangible, life-changing way.

The illustration in my Christmas book captured Bishop Nicholas in these moments of quiet heroism so beautifully. As a small child, I was captivated by his generosity and deep concern for others. That story planted the seeds of understanding that Christmas is about far more than receiving gifts—it’s about embodying the spirit of love, giving, and selflessness.

Nicholas And His Generosity

Nicholas, the gift-giving, Christ-following Bishop of Myra, is the original Santa Claus! He was beloved far and wide for his love of Christ and the outpouring of that love to others through gifts and money.

St. Nicholas Day

Saint Nicholas Day, celebrated on December 6th, honors the feast day of Saint Nicholas, the beloved Bishop of Myra. This day is steeped in rich traditions that reflect the generous spirit of this remarkable man.

One of the most enduring customs originated with Dutch children, who would leave their shoes by the fireplace or outside their bedroom doors for Sinterklaas to fill with small toys, candies, or treats. These simple but thoughtful gifts served as a reminder of Saint Nicholas’s kindness and his care for the poor and children.

Over the centuries, Nicholas’s name and story spread far and wide. As his acts of charity and love became the stuff of legend, his image transformed as well. Eventually, Saint Nicholas evolved into the figure we now recognize as Santa Claus, the jolly giver of gifts who embodies the spirit of generosity during the Christmas season.

When European immigrants, particularly from Germany and the Netherlands, began settling in America, they brought with them many beloved holiday traditions. Among these was the story and celebration of Saint Nicholas. Over time, these customs mingled with others, and the Dutch Sinterklaas became the American Santa Claus.

Though Santa Claus has taken on a more commercialized form in modern times, the roots of his legend remain deeply tied to the selflessness and love of Saint Nicholas of Myra. His legacy continues to inspire acts of kindness and giving, reminding us of the true heart of Christmas.

The Real Meaning Of Christmas

Originally, Christmas was a sacred day set aside to remember the birth of Emmanuel—”God with us.” It is a profound celebration of God coming to earth in human flesh, fully divine and fully human, to fulfill His mission. That mission was clear: to save humanity, who could not save themselves from their sins, and to restore peace and fellowship between God and mankind.

This miraculous act of love and grace is the foundation of Christmas. It is not merely about traditions, decorations, or even the giving of gifts, but about the ultimate gift—the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.

As we celebrate the season, we must strive to keep the true meaning of Christmas alive in our hearts and homes. It is a time to rejoice in God’s indescribable gift to us, and to reflect His love through acts of kindness, generosity, and faith.

For Christ-followers, Christmas is a day of unparalleled joy and gratitude, often expressed through gift-giving. These gifts, whether big or small, symbolize the greatest gift ever given—the birth of our Savior. May we celebrate with hearts full of thanksgiving, always remembering that Jesus is the reason for the season.

In The Spirit Of St. Nicholas

As you celebrate the Christmas season, remember that gift-giving is more than just a tradition—it is an outpouring of gratitude and love inspired by the greatest gift God has ever given humanity: His Son, Jesus Christ. Through Jesus, we received the gift of salvation, hope, and eternal life, a gift that surpasses anything we could ever give or receive.

This Christmas, let’s give with hearts full of the same generosity and compassion that Saint Nicholas demonstrated so many centuries ago. Inspired by the love of Jesus, Saint Nicholas cared for the poor, the needy, and the suffering, reflecting Christ’s call to love and serve others.

Let us follow in his footsteps, giving gifts not only to those we love but also reaching out to those in need. Whether it’s through acts of kindness, thoughtful presents, or selfless service, let our giving embody the true spirit of Christmas—a celebration of love, faith, and hope in the name of Jesus.

May this season remind us to share the love of Christ with the world around us, bringing light and joy to all, just as Bishop Nicholas did so long ago.

Celebrating St. Nicholas In Our Homes

This Christmas, my little grandchildren will be coming for a special visit. On Christmas Eve, they will carry on a sweet tradition by placing their shoes outside their bedroom doors, eagerly waiting for Santa to fill them with little gifts and shiny chocolate coins. It’s a simple yet magical moment that brings so much joy and excitement to their hearts.

This year, some of them are old enough to hear and truly understand the beautiful story of Saint Nicholas. I look forward to sharing with them how Nicholas used what he had to honor Jesus and help others, showing kindness and love to those in need. I hope it will inspire them to see Christmas as not just a time of receiving, but also a time to give and to reflect the love of Christ.

I hope that you, too, are blessed by knowing the story of the real Santa Claus—the faithful Bishop of Myra who lived out the Gospel in such a profound way. May his legacy remind us all to celebrate Christmas with hearts full of generosity and love, honoring the greatest gift of all, our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Wishing you and your loved ones a Merry and Blessed Christmas!