Feature: Who is Santa Claus?

For children everywhere Christmas eve is Santa's night. It's the time he miraculously covers the earth, flying with his trusted "fleet" of reindeer from his home and workshop in the North Pole, stopping at every home, dropping off toys and gifts for children.

For those whose parents are poor and unable to afford food for the Christmas table, much less toys, Santa Claus is no more than a cruel legend. They wonder why their names get on Santa's "naughty" list when they have been good all year.

It's all a part of the commercialization of a real person who lived centuries ago and still lives in the hearts and minds of people everywhere.

The true story of Santa Claus begins with Nicholas, who was born during the third century in the Greek village of Patara, which is now on the southern coast of Turkey. His wealthy parents, who raised him to be a devout Christian, died in an epidemic while Nicholas was still young.

Nicholas took the teachings of Jesus to heart and literally followed Jesus' words to "sell what you own and give the money to the poor." He used his entire inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering.

Nicholas dedicated his life to serving God and was made Bishop of Myra while he was still a young man. Bishop Nicholas became known throughout the land for his generosity to the those in need, his love for children, and his concern for sailors and ships.

Under the Roman Emperor Diocletian Christians were ruthlessly persecuted, with prisons so overflowing with bishops, priests and other religious persons there was no room for the real criminals.

The Romans exiled and imprisoned Bishop Nicholas because of his faith, but eventually released him. Nicholas died December 6, AD 343 in Myra and was buried in his cathedral church.

The anniversary of his death became a day of celebration, St. Nicholas Day. Through the centuries many stories and legends have been told of St. Nicholas' life and deeds that help explain his extraordinary character and why he is so beloved and revered as protector and helper of those in need.

Popular culture has created different incarnations of this man whose life was dedicated to helping the needy and making children happy not only at Christmas, but all year round. He epitomized the spirit of love, caring and giving that is characteristic of Christmas. He lives in our hearts and our minds forever!

While it worked for those who could afford it, it had the reverse effect on children who waited for the Santa Claus who never arrived. The imagery is one of North American affluence, that is complemented by the typical Mall Santa where kids can visit with Santa, sit on his lap, tell him what they would love for Christmas and have their photo taken - all for a package price.

In every culture we find a version of Santa Claus but the one that is most common is a jolly old, bearded man in a red suit flying through the night on a sleigh pulled by his reindeer, coming down chimneys and delivering gifts.

It's the North American version of father Christmas and generations of Americans have grown up knowing him as the person who peruses a list collated by his elves to determine who has been naughty and who has been nice. Based on that he makes a final list and delivers toys to those children who have been nice.

It was a kind of blackmail developed by the capitalist economy to force parents to buy toys so their children won't be stigmatized as "naughty" when Christmas morning arrives and be "rewarded" for being nice.

Watch the YouTube video: Santa Claus is coming to town
Click here for the famous Christmas song: Rudoplh The red nose reindeer

There is even an official Santa Claus Website for today's online generation. Visit the site and explore.