NEW YORK (AP) — The white-bearded Christian saint whose acts of generosity inspired America’s secular Santa Claus figure is known worldwide — but Saint Nicholas' origin story is not.

St. Nicholas, by Jaroslav Čermák (1831-1878). (photo: Galerie Art Praha via Wikimedia / Public Domain) Jonah McKeown/CNA World December 18, 2024 ...

Santa Claus is one of the most iconic symbols of Christmas. The modern day red-and-white-clad character is said to be based on St. Nicholas, who was known for his generosity.

St Nicholas, who lived between 270 and 343 AD, is most famous for inheriting money that he gave away to the poor and specifically the story about how he gifted three girls with bags of gold to ...

Eventually, St. Nicholas morphed into the secular Santa Claus.Artist Thomas Nast, an engraver in Morristown, New Jersey, who illustrated the front cover of Harper’s magazine for many years ...

St. Nicholas was named a saint by the church on Dec. 6, which is the same day he is believed to have died in 343 A.D. The day is celebrated as a feast day.

St. Nicholas Day is celebrated every year on Dec. 6, typically by filling the stockings and shoes children leave out overnight with sweets and toys. It also is a fitting date for the patron saint ...

St. Nicholas Day is celebrated every year on Dec. 6, typically by filling the stockings and shoes children leave out overnight with sweets and toys. It also is a fitting date for the patron saint ...

NEW YORK (AP) — The white-bearded Christian saint whose acts of generosity inspired America’s secular Santa Claus figure is known worldwide — but Saint Nicholas’ origin story is not. The legends ...