Santa Claus

Then we have this wonderful influence of Santa Claus who makes such an important contribution to Christmas for so many people. And while it is customary to regard the story of Santa Claus as a myth, yet he is the result of a kind of evolution from the legend of a real person who lived during the fourth century who was called St. Nicholas. Nicholas was the only child of wealthy Christian parents and was born at the close of the third century, perhaps about 280, at Patara, a port in the providence of Lycia in Asia Minor. Early in his childhood his devout mother taught him the scriptures. When both parents died during an epidemic, they left the young boy in possession of all their wealth.

Young Nicholas dedicated his life to God's service and moved to Myra, chief city of his providence. and was appointed to be their bishop. Because of his youth he tried to refuse the position, but he was overruled. On one occasion, Nicholas learned of three young women who had no suitors because their father was too poor to provide them with a dowry, so one night he filled three bags of gold and threw them into the windows of the rooms occupied by the young women, and they soon were happily married. Thereafter unexpected gifts were said to come from St. Nicholas. In the course of time, he came to be described as the giver of Christmas presents. The children put their shoes and stockings beside the fireplace on Christmas Eve in hopes that St. Nicholas would fill them with presents. St. Nicholas was naturally a very happy person and was eventually called "Jolly Old St. Nicholas." We sing songs about him and think of him as the one who rewards the good deeds of others.
 

Someone has written:

Jolly Old St. Nicholas.
Lean your ear this way.
Don 't you tell a single soul
What I'm going to say.
Christmas Eve is coming soon.