Whats the difference between Father Christmas, Santa Claus and St. Nicholas?

13/12/11

Everyone knows and loves the jolly old man who brings us wonderful presents to open on Christmas day but why does he have so many different names? Are they actually three different people working as a team to make sure all the Christmas gifts are sent to the right children?

St. Nicholas was a Greek saint during the 4th Century and was given the nickname “Nicholas the Wonderworker” because of all the amazing miracles he performed. He also loved to give gifts to all the good little boys and girls – often by secretly putting coins and sweets in their shoes! He was also the patron saint of children and was very popular with everyone he met and helped.

The story of Father Christmas begins in the early 1600s, when the English Puritans (very strict Christians) believed that people should not have fun at Christmas time! Father Christmas symbolised the spirit of the season and tried to persuade the Puritans that enjoying Christmas was a good idea. Father Christmas is usually depicted as an old man to reflect how long the Christmas traditions had existed and has a jolly personality because of the happiness and cheer that the Christmas festival brought to people. He used to wear a beautiful green robe with fur trimmings and a crown made of holly branches and berries. During the Victorian era the tale of Father Christmas merged with the legend of the gift-giving St. Nicholas, which is why today Father Christmas brings presents to all the good children as well as spreading cheer and joy during the festive season. But donʼt forget, Father Christmas will bring a lump of coal to the children who have been misbehaving instead of a gift!

Santa Claus is the North American name for Father Christmas. Santa Claus takes his peculiar name from the Dutch name for St. Nicholas: Sint Nicolaas, or Sinterklaas. Many different countries have their own name for Father Christmas such as Père Noël in France, Noel Baba in Turkey and Babbo Natale in Italy.