I get so many great questions from children of all ages around the world that I decided to compile some of them here. There are two sections at present:
Who is Santa Claus?
Santa Claus has a variety of different names in different languages, but they all refer to the person of St. Nicholas who was born many centuries ago in the 4th century (born c 245 AD, and died c350 AD, various sources list various dates) in Lycia, Anatolia, a province on the southwest coast of Asia Minor (present day Turkey). He was born in Patara, a seaport, and traveled. St. Nicholas became a bishop of the church at Myra. Few documents exist which mention him, however legends of his generosity exist throughout most churches. Thousands of churches in the Middle Ages were dedicated to him.
St. Nicholas performed a number of miracles, all associated with gift giving. His feast day was December 6, so think of St. Nicholas on December 6th and December 25th.
In 1823, Clement C. Moore wrote "A Visit from St. Nicholas', which showed Santa Claus driving a sleight drawn by "eight tiny reindeer" and in doing so he created an image we all have today. Thomas Nast drew Santa Claus based on Moore's description cementing in this image.
The probable origins of various traditions which then spread around the world:
What is a legend of St. Nicholas?
There are many legends of St. Nicholas, but this is the most famous legend and it includes elements of today's Santa:
A nobleman who lived with his three daughters had fallen on hard times. The daughters had no chance of marriage, since their father could not pay their dowries.
One night, St. Nicholas threw a sack of gold through a window of the nobleman's shabby castle, which was enough for one daughter's marriage. The next night, he tossed another sack of gold through the window for the second daughter.
But on the third night, the window was closed. So, St. Nicholas climbed onto the roof and dropped the sack down the chimney. The next morning, the daughters found the gold in the stockings they had hung to dry by the fireplace.
Hence leaving the stockings out for Santa Claus.
What other names is Santa Claus or Father Christmas known by?
What is Mrs. Claus' first name?
Mrs. Claus' full name is Jessica Mary Claus. Her mother picked her middle name after the mother of Jesus.
Is St. Nicholas patron saint of anyone?
Yes! Saint Nicholas is the patron saint of Russia, of children, and of sailors. He also has been patron saint of Moscow, Greece, prisoners, bakers, pawnbrokers, shopkeepers and wolves.
What Books have been written about Santa Claus?
What Historical Books have been written?
Who is Thomas Nast?
Thomas Nast was the first artist to draw Santa Claus as a fat, jolly, white-whiskered old man. He was born September 27, 1840 in Landau, Baden, Germany and died December 7, 1902 in Guayaquil, Ecuador. He was an American cartoonist after arriving in the United States at the age of six. He was a political cartoonist who happened to create one of the most popular images of Santa Claus. He is also noted for popularizing the Democratic party's donkey.
Why do you give gifts at Christmas?
This custom has many roots. St. Nicholas was an anonymous benefactor. The Magi gave gifts to Jesus, and the Romans gave gifts during their holiday that coincided with this period. Various days are used:
December 6th - in memory of St. Nicholas
December 24th - Christmas Eve
December 25th - Christmas day, the birth of Jesus
January 1st - New Year's Day
January 6th - Christmas day for some churches, the Magi/three wise men
What is Mistletoe?
Mistletoe is one of many species of semiparasitic green plants and is used as part of the Christmas celebration. Symbolizes peace, kisses. Sacred symbol of ancient Druids and symbol of eternal life. One tradition has it that if you catch someone under the mistletoe you may kiss them (perhaps from Roman custom).
What is the King of Misrule?
Also known as the Abbot of Misrule, this official managed the Christmas festivities held at the late medieval and early Tudor court and in the houses of great noblemen. The official served anywhere from 12 days to 3 months and arranged all the festivities and entertainment. Scotland's counterpart was the "Abbot of Unreason". This tradition as ended in 1553.
What is a Christmas Card?
A Christmas card is a greeting card often send by mail or electronic mail (email) to express Christmas goodwill and cheer. Almost all English-speaking countries following this tradition as do many other countries. John Callcott Horsley is credited with designing the first card in 1843. It was introduced to the United States in the 1870s
What is garland?
Garland is a chain of leaves, flowers, or foliage often used to decorate homes at Christmas time. There have been many other uses throughout history.
What is a wreath?
A wreath is essentially a garland that is joined at both ends. There are several styles used at different occasions. Since the 19th century it is generally made of evergreens, holly, with pinecones and nuts. They are hung as decorations, for example on a door in Canada, the United States, and northern Europe. In Tudor England and during medieval times a wreath of rosemary and bay was served over a boar. The advent wreath has four candles and is a Christian symbol of the four Sundays preceding Christmas. A Christmas wreath is more decorative and is generally made of holly leaves and berries and is a custom of many countries including particularly those listed above.
What is a Christmas Tree?
A Christmas Tree is usually a balsam or douglas fir, and is decorated with lights and ornaments as a part of the Christmas season. Evergreen trees and shrubbery (wreaths, garlands) is an ancient custom dating back to the Chinese, Hebrews, and Egyptians. Initially part of pagan Europe, tree decoration became part of Christian tradition initially as part of the New Year celebration in order to scare the devil away. Likewise, it was part of a Germany custom of placing a Yule tree at an entrance to the house as part of their midwinder holiday.
The modern Christmas tree tradition came from western Germany, from a medieval custom, as a paradise tree -- a tree decorated with apples, wafers (or cookies), and candles representing the Garden of Eden, the host, and Christ. By the 19th century it had become a deep-rooted German tradition. European countries such as Austria, Switerland, The Netherlands, and Poland imported the German tradition. Queen Victoria's husband, German Prince Albert popularized the tradition in England after it had been introduced earlier in the 19th century. German and English settlers to North America brought the tradition there and missionaries in the 19th and 20th centuries spread the tradition to China, Japan, and other parts of Asia.
What is Christmas?
The word itself comes from the Old English, "Cristes maesse" which means "Christ's mass" on which Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. It is now both a religious and secular holiday. Romans celebrated this festival in AD 336 which coincided with a pagan Roman festival coinciding with the Winter Solstice. It is often celebrated December 25, but a few churches celebrate it January 6th. It is traditionally a celebration of family and children.
Christmas -- traditionally has been celebrated during a prolonged period from December 24 to January 6th.
What is Christmas Day?
Derived from the traditional birthday of Jesus. Near the shortest day of the year (the Winter Solstice) an important pagan and solar feasting period in Europe. Fixed by the church near the old Roman Saturnalia festival (December 17-21). The first mention of the birthday is from the year 354. Gradually most Christian churches adopted this day, except Armenians who celebrate 6th January which date for other Churches is the baptismal day of Jesus and the day of the three Magi).
What is a "Carol"?
A song, generally of religious joy. The earliest known Christmas songs date from the 4th century; "Jesus refulsit omnium by St. Hilary of Poitiers" is the oldest. Songs were created in the Catholic Church and many other places. Early songs were religious and in latin. Music by Handel and Mendelssohn was adapted and used as Christmas carols. The most famous of all, Silent Night (Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht) was written by the Austrian parish priest Joseph Mohr and composed by Franz Gruber, church organist, in 1818.
Why a Star?
The astronomical/astrological phenomenon that triggered the journey of the Magi to find and give presents to the Christ child, Jesus. Perhaps a supernova, a conjunction of planets, or a miracle which occurred around 7 BC, the most probably birth year of Christ. Often placed at the top of the Christmas tree.
What is a Magi?
From the old Persian language, a priest of Zoroaster (Zarathustra). The Bible states they came from the East and were from Persia (today, Iran). Balthasar, Melchior, Caspar.
What is Advent?
It is a period of preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas. Advent begins on the Sunday closest to November 30th - St. Andrew's Day - and is the beginning of the church year. Popular traditions are Advent Candles and Advent Calendars (often colorful children's calendars with a door for each day in December). Advent is from the Latin "adventus" meaning "coming," as in the coming of Christ's birthday.
Who is Charles Dickens?
Dickens is one of the greatest English novelists. He was born February 7, 1812 (Charles John Huffman Dickens) in Portsmouth, Hampshire. In 1843 he wrote A Christmas Carol, creating a Christmas myth.
Other stories: Oliver Twist, David Copperfield, A Tale of Two Cities, The Pickwick Papers
What does Santa do when a house does not have a chimney or there is a fire burning in the fire place?
Santa likes to keep a few things secret so he can always surprise the kids he is visiting -- all he will say to this question is that he uses a little magic but he *always* finds a way!
Does Rudolph always lead the sleigh?
Rudolph is almost always the lead reindeer thanks to his wonderful bright nose!
How do the reindeer fly?
A long time ago Santa and his helpers discovered magical oats and corn-- when the reindeer eat the oats and corn the deer become able to fly and leap high into the air.
Why can't I ever see Santa or his elves?
Santa and the elves are magical and move very quickly. Sometimes, if you are very good, you *might* catch a glimpse of an elf!
How do I become an elf?
The best way is to do well in school and be good. Then, who knows...
How does Santa's sleigh make it around the world in one day?
Through a combination of lots of practice and hard work, judicious use of time zones, and a little magic, Santa and the reindeer always make it in time.
How does Santa know whether I have been naughty or nice?
Santa maintains his naughty and nice list (now computerized, by the way), with the help of all the elves who keep track of each person -- you probably aren't even aware they are around you, but elves have a special way of keeping an eye on you. Sometimes if you look quickly enough you *might* catch one peering in a window or around a corner, but you would have to be very fast and very good! They might even ask mom and dad!
What kind of snack does Santa like left out for him?
Santa loves cookies, of course, but he is always happy to try anything you think he might like -- pick your favorite kind of cookie or snack and Santa and the reindeer will be happy! The reindeer love carrots and lettuce best, of course!
How many reindeer are in the north pole?
Besides the reindeer that pull the sleigh, there are lots of other reindeer that live in the North Pole -- too many for even Santa to count or keep track of these days!
What are the names of Santa's reindeer?
The reindeer that pull the sleigh are: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donder (or Donner, he likes both since some of the small reindeer have trouble saying 'Donder'), Blitzen, and of course -- Rudolph. There are many other reindeer who live at the North Pole but there is not room to list them all.
What do Santa and Mrs. Claus do during the spring and summer?
Santa and Mrs. Claus take a vacation after the holiday season. They like to see different parts of the world. Last summer they visited Canada, part of Europe, and the Texas coast.
Why doesn't Santa always bring me what I asked for?
Thanks to the elves and your gift lists, Santa usually knows what presents you would like to receive. However, sometimes Santa also knows that your parents, family, or guardians have other special things in mind. Also, Santa does not like to bring gifts that he knows your parents etc. would prefer you not to have -- such as a horse, or a space shuttle, or other gifts that would not be appropriate.
Why does Santa Claus climb down the chimney?
Santa first began climbing down the chimney for Dutch children. Similarly, the switches he leaves for naughty children originated with the Dutch. His red suit trimmed with white fur originated from the bishop's mitre and cape worn by the Dutch saint.
What are some songs written about Santa Claus, Jesus, and Christmas?
What is a "White Christmas"?
A "white Christmas" refers to the snow that is one of the features associated with the holiday season in many areas. There are some kids in the south that have never seen snow! Thats where wheels on my sleigh come in handy.
Why don't you come every day of the year?
Well, for a couple of reasons. First Santa and the Reindeer comes on Christmas eve to celebrate Christmas -- the birthday of Jesus. Second, it takes a whole year to get everything ready for just one very special night for all the good children around the world. Third, only having Christmas once each year makes it very special.
Do you have a red-nosed reindeer?
Oh yes, Rudolph has a red nose and is often the leader of the team.
Is there a real Rudolph?
Yes, Rudolph is one of our favorite reindeer since he is so helpful when there is fog or other inclimate weather on Christmas Eve.
How many cookies do you eat?
Lots and lots. I'm not sure if I can count high enough, but I eat a lot of cookies even though Mrs. Claus says to cut back on the number. Last year I ate so many I felt a little sick because of the sheer number of them, so this year I may eat a little less at each home.
How did you get a computer?
Snowy Elf researched which computers suited our needs the best and told Mrs. Claus. Mrs. Claus then got them for Santa as a Christmas present.
How many kids do you deliver to?
We deliver to millions and millions of good children around the world who believe in Santa Claus -- the number changes every year because there are always children being born.
Why is Rudolph's nose so bright?
His nose is so bright because he was touched by Christmas magic which made his nose so red and shiny.
Has Santa ever missed a year?
No, Santa Claus has not missed a Christmas yet. At the North Pole we take many precautions so that nothing can go wrong on Christmas Eve. After so many years of practice we have plans for everything. There have been some close calls as you may see on television, but everyone here loves Christmas so much that we all work extra hard to make sure that Christmas is as fun as it is supposed to be.
Do you get sick?
Occasionally some of us get the flu, but we almost always get flu shots to avoid getting sick. Even the flu wouldn't stop us from our Christmas deliveries though.
What kind of milk should I leave out?
Mrs. Claus prefers me to drink cold fat free (aka skim) milk, because of the health benefits; however I like to drink all the kinds of milk.
How many toys do you make in one day?
That it depends. Some toys such as a set of wooden blocks takes much less time than a more complex toy such as a truck or car so the elves who make complex toys tend to make fewer per day than the elves who work on other toys. The real important point is that each toy is made and given with lots of love!
How old is Santa, and when is Santa's birthday?
Well, lets just say that Santa stopped counting at 550 and leave it at that! There have been plenty of Christmas nights where I've done my part and plenty more to come!
Why does Santa Claus deliver presents on Christmas Eve instead of some other day?
The simple reason is that if we didn't deliver on Christmas Eve then the presents wouldn't be waiting for everyone on Christmas morning! Going back in time further, the Magi brought presents for the Christ child and people continued the tradition of giving gifts on Christmas Eve so that they would be there Christmas morning.
