Christmas Gift

Santa Claus comes from a European Christian saint allusion. He owns nine reindeer with different names, and his biggest worry is that fewer houses have chimneys to climb. Usually parents explain to their children that the presents they receive at Christmas are from Santa Claus. Santa Claus is derived from the idea of a mysterious figure bringing presents to young children. Nicholas was a compassionate bishop who lived in Asia Minor in the 4th century and loved to give alms. The Dutch would imitate him in giving gifts on St. Nicholas Day (December 6).

As the world changed, writers and artists began to describe Santa as the red-suited, white-bearded figure we are familiar with today. At the same time, different countries and cultures have different interpretations of Santa Claus. In many countries, on Christmas Eve, children prepare empty containers so that Santa can fill them with small gifts, such as toys, candy or fruit. In the United States, children hang Christmas stockings on the mantelpiece on Christmas Eve because Santa Claus said he would come down the chimney on Christmas Eve to put presents in the stockings. They put gingernut cookies on a table near the fireplace, and Santa is said to eat them as well as deliver presents. In other countries, children put empty shoes outdoors so that Santa can deliver presents on Christmas Eve (or December 5, the eve of St. Nicholas Day). In Germany, legend has it that he dressed up as a holy child and put nuts and apples in children's shoes. He rode around in a horse-drawn carriage and watched people, especially children, who were rewarded with apples, nuts, and sweets if they behaved well. Bad boys get a whip. Parents have been inspired to adopt the legend to encourage their children to behave.