Who is Father Christmas/Santa Clause and what is the history and legend behind the man?
Father Christmas is also known as Old Father Christmas, Sir Christmas, and Lord Christmas. He originally had no association with gifts or children, and was simply known as a a spirit of good will. Later on Father Christmas was combined with the Catholic Church’s Saint Nicholas. Saint Nicholas (Nicholas of Myra) was known for secretly putting coins in childrens’ shoes at night. This is where the idea of Santa Claus, and his gift bringing came from. Santa Claus is actually derived from the Dutch word Sinterklaas. Sinterklaas was the Dutch personification of the Christmas Spirit. Now most people interchange the names Father Christmas, Saint Nicholas, and Santa Clause as all being the same person.
