Today is St. Nicholas Day. Yes, the beloved St. by which we derive the name of Santa Claus. The Dutch name for Saint Nicholas is Sinter Klaas. 1st written “Santa Claus” in Rivington’s Gazette in New York City on Dec. 23rd 1773 when describing a parade featuring the beloved Sinter Klaas. St. Nicholas himself was born March 15th 270 AD in Patara, a maritime city of Myra in what is now modern day Turkey. As bishop, he is said to have been present at the council of Nicaea where the tenets of the Christian faith were solidified under Constantine in 325 AD. Little is known about the Saint with certainty, yet many stories tell of miracles. Patron Saint of Children, women and sailors among others. He died on Dec. 6th 343 AD. Happy St. Nicholas Day!

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