What Country Did Santa Claus Originate In?

Santa Claus originated in Holland, or the Netherlands. In Holland, Sinterklaas was a kindly bishop who wore long red robes and a mitre (tall, pointed hat) on his head. He was the patron saint of children and was tall and thin with a white beard.

On December 5th, the children put out their shoes filled with hay and carrots for the white horse of Sinterklaas. Then they tell their parents how well they behaved all year. If they were good, the shoes would be filled with gifts, nuts, and candy the next morning.

Sinterklass vs. the Modern Santa Claus

Sinterklaas and Santa Claus both have a white beard, bring children presents, expect them to be good, and show up on Christmas Eve. Sinerklaas has a white horse and puts toys in shoes while Santa Claus has a sleigh with reindeer, comes down chimneys, and puts toys in stockings. Sinterklaas is not as fat and jovial as Santa Claus and he wears red robes instead of a red suit. Lastly, Sinterklass is a bishop, which is a religious figure and Santa Claus is totally secular.

Story of Saint Nicholas

Let’s look at the origins of Saint Nicholas:

St. Nicholas lived from 270 to 310 and was born in the Middle East.
He was at one time the bishop of Myra, a town in what is today Turkey.
He died on December 6th, which is why people celebrate his feast on that day.
He was the patron saint of little children and school children.
He was known for his generosity and as a protector of those in trouble. His generosity is shown in the following story.

A nobleman had fallen on hard times and could not afford a dowry for his three daughters. St. Nicholas wanted to help anonymously, so he threw a bag of gold through a window, which was enough for one daughter’s dowry. The next night, he threw a second one, for the second daughter. The third night he threw the bag down the chimney, either because the door was locked or the father was waiting up for him to discover his identity. The third bag landed in one of the stockings that had been hung up to dry.

Santa Claus Around the World

Santa Claus is also known as: Saint Nicholas, St. Nick, and Father Christmas and each of these Santa Claus figures originated in a different country. Here are some of his other names:

Weihnachtsmann is German for Christmas man.
Kris Kringle is a derivative for Christkindle which comes from southern Germany and means Christ child.
Pere Noel is French.
Papa Noel is used in many Spanish speaking countries.
Julemanden is Danish for Christmas man.
Father Christmas delivers presents in England.
Father Frost gives out toys on New Year’s Eve in Russia. He evolved from St. Nicholas.

Other Christmas Traditions

Evergreens

In the 16th century, Germans started decorating with evergreen branches and trees because the evergreens are strong since they live through the winter. In some countries, it is believed that they ward off evil spirits.

Poinsettias

Poinsettias are used in Mexico to decorate for Christmas. The story behind the poinsettia tells of a young boy who was going to visit the nativity scene in his village and forgot to bring a gift for the baby Jesus. He picked up some green branches along the way, and other children made fun of him. When he laid them down a flower miraculously appeared on the branches.

Christmas Cards

Christmas cards began in England in 1843 as a way to remind people to help those in need. The first card was sent by Sir Henry Cole and said, “A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to You." This quickly became a tradition around the world.