Almost everyone, once in their life has heard of Santa Clause. The magical being who travels around the world in one night to give presents to the good children of the world. Have you ever wondered where this tradition comes from?  

“I think that the tradition of Santa Clause came from this saint who would put candy in children’s shoes.” A junior here at Farmington High, Abi Toole, said. 

Abi was very close to the truth, but the candy in shoes tradition is actually a tradition celebrated in Spain today. The three wise men com and give the children of Spain candy and toys in there shoes at night.

“The tradition of Santa, I think, came from an old bishop that we decided to celebrate him because he was so good and kind, and it just evolved from there.” Another student here, Averi Shields, said.  

Those two students were very close to the truth. The tradition of Santa Clause dates back all the way to the 3rd century based from a monk named St. Nicholas who was born around 280 A.D. near where Turkey is now. He was greatly admired because of his kindness and goodness. He became the subject of many legions and the stories spread to other parts of the world. One such story was that he saved three poor sisters from being sold into slavery by their fathers by giving each of them a dowry so they could marry.  

As his stories spread, many started to consider him as the protector of children. They would have a St. Nicholas feast on December 6th which thought to be the day of his death. This day was considered to be a lucky day to get married and make large purchases. 

Since then, the tradition has spread to tricking kids to behave well so that Santa will bring them presents, sitting on Santa’s lap to tell him what you want for Christmas, and so forth. There are countless jingles with him in it and even movies about him. Santa Clause has become one of the symbols of Christmas.