Who Was Saint Nicholas? Santa Claus's real name is Saint Nicholas. Saint Nicholas lived in Turkey long ago. He was bishop of Myra in Asia Minor during the fourth century. He was famous for his love and kindness and and for going about in disguise giving presents to the poor. He was particularly kind to the children and he became Russia's patron saint. His feast day is on the sixth of December. |
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By Jessica |
Santa Claus in Different Lands
In Holland Santa arrives by steamer at the port of Amsterdam on the last
Saturday of November. He brings a helper with him called Black Peter.
When they arrive in the port they leave the steamer and mount a white
horse and away they go to the royal palace. From there they travel across
the land. Black Peter - it is said - comes to punish any naughty children and also he
must do the dirty work of taking presents down the chimney.
In Austria all the children have to write a letter to the Baby Jesus on the
first Sunday in Advent. The Austrian children believe that Jesus comes
down from heaven on Christmas Eve with his angels and that they bring
the Christmas tree and the wonderful things under it. The children have to
end their letter with a promise. Then they put it on the window sill before
going to bed and next morning they look to see whether their letter has
gone. Good children's letters always disappear during the first night but if
a child has been bold he or she might have to wait two or three days!!!
In Ireland we write our letters to Santa Claus in late Novemer or early
December. We post them to Lapland at the North Pole. Some of us leave our
letters near the fire place and Santa's helper collects them when we are asleep.
Santa delivers our presents on Christmas Eve night. He travels in a sleigh pulled
by reindeer. Lorcan leaves his pillow case at the end of his bed and Santa fills it.
Others find that Santa has left their presents under the Christmas tree, in the
sitting room, at the fireplace, in the bedroom or in the hall. Some people leave out
their shoes and Santa leaves their presents on them. We try to be very good
before Christmas because we believe that Santa will leave a lump of coal instead
of a present if we are bold.
In Italy a white witch called La Befana brings presents to the children.
She is supposed to be one of the people who refused to give shelter
to Mary and Joseph. Ever since, she has tried to make up for her bad deed by
giving presents on the sixth of January each year.
By Jesssica
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By Craig |
Santa's Helpers In Holland Santa's helper is called Black Peter. A character called Krampus helps Santa in Austria. By Clara. |
Santa's Dress
Santa is dressed in red because berries are red and they are a symbol of Christ.
In Ireland, England and America he wears a bright red suit trimmed with white
fur, a long red cap and shiny black boots.
In France he wears a long red robe, a white fur hat and he clatters along in wooden shoes.
In Switzerland Santa wears the clothing of a bishop. He wears a long white robe and a tall pointed bishop's hat.
By Craig
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By Stephen D. |
Santa's Names In Ireland Santa is called San Nioclás or Daidí na Nollag. He is known as Father Christmas in England. He has the name Pere Noel in France. In Holland he is called Sinter Klaas. In Austria Santa Claus is known as Nikolo. Joulupukki is the name given to him in Finland. The people of Norway call Santa Claus Julenissen. In Germany Santa became known as Sankt Nikolaus or Kriss Kingle. By Keith
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When Does Santa Visit? In Ireland Santa Claus comes on Christmas Eve. In Holland he arrives on the sixth of December. In Italy La Befana gives presents on the sixth of January - which is the Feast of the Epiphany - each year. By Niamh K.
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Santa Claus
Santa Claus is a very kind and jolly man. His eyes twinkle, his cheeks are
like roses , his nose is like a cherry and his beard is as white as snow.
He wears a warm red coat and big black boots. He lives up
at the North Pole.
Santa Claus travels by sleigh, which is pulled by his reindeers
,Dasher, Comet, Cupid, Dancer, Donner, Vixen, Prancer, Blitzen and Rudolph -
[who is Santa's favourite].
Every Christmas Eve Santa Claus goes around the world, giving presents to all the good children.
Santa's wife is called Mrs. Claus. She cooks mince pies and lots of cakes and nice things.
By Megan
Click here to go to Holly
Hi - Can you remember?
Can you remember Santa's different names? Put your answers in the boxes
underneath each country. Colour the picture when you are finished.
Niamh
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