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My column today is a bit out of the ordinary...no recipes today. Those of you who have small children or perhaps young grandchildren and those who have not experienced the excitement of Christmas, through a child's eyes will hopefully enjoy learning about the man in a red suit with a long white beard who makes the little ones eye sparkle with excitement at Christmas time. Sit down with your child or grandchild and read to them about the history of Santa Claus.

Santa originated in the person of St. Nicholas, a bishop known for his kindness and generosity. According to legend, St. Nicholas learned of three young sisters whose father was so poor that he could not afford to provide them with appropriate clothing for their weddings. St. Nicholas was determined to help them, but did not want his generosity known. When the oldest daughter was old enough to marry, he dropped a bag of gold down the chimney, where it landed in a shoe or stocking that had been left by the hearth (fireplace) to keep warm.

This is how the custom of hanging stockings, or in other countries, leaving a shoe by the fireplace originated. The generosity of St. Nick (Short of Nicholas) is often remembered on December 5th, St. Nicholas Eve, a holiday in which presents were given to children.

In England and Germany, he was believed to travel by goat or donkey. Years later, Washington Erving referred to him as a "jolly, tubby little fellow" who rode through the sky in a big wagon.

In Holland, St. Nick appeared all dressed up as a bishop with a long red cape draped from his shoulders. In Germany the "Christ Kindchen" or "Christ Kindle " was a children believed to be a messenger who distributed presents from the infant Jesus. "Christ Kindle", translated to Kris Kringle, a name later connected with Santa Claus. In England, Father Christmas, a long brown or green robed character from children's fiction, became responsible for the role of the generous and jolly gift-giver.

An immigrants made their way to Americas shores, they brought with them their rich holiday customs. The name "Santa Claus" comes from the old Dutch "Sint Niklass", which then became "Sane Klass" and finally became "Santa Claus" and was made famous in Clement Moore's "Twas the night before Christmas" A cartoonist, Thomas Nast, created the image of Santa Claus as we know him today. Described by Mr. Nast as wearing red or green, we still use these colors associated with Christmas. He was also responsible For Santa's Workshop at the North Pole.

The beloved figure of Santa is a mixture of folk traditions from many countries, all telling of his generosity which is the spirit of Christmas. He is known today as the man of good will and kindness to all children at Christmas.

Please keep in mind the true meaning of Christmas. We are celebrating the birth of Our Savior. One of our family members always has a cake with the message, "Happy birthday Jesus" written on it and everyone sings the Happy birthday song. Perhaps you might like to start this tradition in your home. I wish you a joyous holiday season filled with love and peace.

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