Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeartRadio | TuneIn | RSS
Santa Claus is surely one of the most beloved figures of modern times. But did you know that he was perhaps even more beloved long before he acquired a fur-trimmed red suit, a big round belly, and nine flying reindeer to pull his sleigh?
Believe it or not, the jolly Old St. Nick we know and love today actually took more than 1,600 years to develop!
For many years, one of our family’s Christmas traditions has been a retelling of the history behind the colors and symbols of Christmas. Each year we start with the color green and the symbol of the Christmas tree, then we move on to the color red and Santa Claus. Santa really is a fascinating historical tale, one that starts small and then builds and builds and builds! I hope you enjoy learning the story as much as we enjoy rehearsing it each year!
Here are some additional resources for you that can enrich the history of Santa Claus:
- Patara, birthplace of Nicholas (via Google Maps)
- St. Nicholas Center: The Story of the Three Daughters
- Voice of the Martyrs: The Persecution of St. Nicholas
- BeliefNet: St. Nicholas Resurrects Pickled Boys!
- The Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore
- NPR: Why Does Santa Live In The North Pole?
- Coca-Cola History: Five Things You Never Knew About Santa Claus and Coca-Cola
- CBC Radio-Canada: The Real Story Behind Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
- Youtube: “Here Comes Santa Claus” by Gene Autry (Lyrics below)
Here comes Santy Claus
Here comes Santy Claus
Right down Santy Claus Lane
Vixen and Blitzen and all his reindeer
Pulling on the reins
Bells are ringing, children singing
All is merry and bright
So hang your stockings and say your prayers
‘Cause Santy Claus comes tonight
Here comes Santy Claus
Here comes Santy Claus
Right down Santy Claus Lane
He’s got a bag that’s filled with toys
For boys and girls again
Hear those sleigh bells, jingle jangle
Oh, what a beautiful sight
So jump in bed and cover your head
‘Cause Santy Claus comes tonight
Here comes Santy Claus
Here comes Santy Claus
Right down Santy Claus Lane
He doesn’t care if you’re rich or poor
He loves you just the same
Santy Claus knows we’re all God’s children
That makes everything right
So fill your hearts with Christmas cheer
‘Cause Santy Claus comes tonight
Here comes Santy Claus
Here comes Santy Claus
Right down Santy Claus Lane
He’ll come around when chimes ring out
That it’s Christmas morn again
Peace on Earth will come to all
If we just follow the Light
So let’s give thanks to the Lord above
‘Cause Santy Claus comes tonight
Thanks so much for listening to Better Mind, Better Life! I genuinely hope this content helps you improve your life in some way. Now it’s your turn to help someone else. Here’s how you can do that. Think of the one person you know who would most benefit from listening to this episode today. Now simply share it with them, and consider including an encouraging note explaining why you sent this episode to them specifically. You never know how that one simple act can help someone else have a better life! And please SUBSCRIBE/FOLLOW and leave a review. That helps you never miss an episode and it helps me get noticed by others who are searching for new podcasts!
