The transformation of a 4th-century Christian bishop into the jolly, red-suited Santa Claus is one of the most fascinating evolutions in cultural history. This journey spans continents, languages, and more than 1,700 years, blending religious devotion, folklore, immigration, and commercial enterprise into the beloved figure we celebrate today.
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The Historical Saint Nicholas
Saint Nicholas of Myra was born around 270 AD in Patara, a port city in what is now southern Turkey, then part of the Roman Empire and known as Lycia. Born into a wealthy Christian family, Nicholas became known for his deep faith and extraordinary generosity, particularly toward children and those in poverty.
The most famous legend tells of three young sisters whose father could not afford dowries for their marriages, leaving them facing a desperate future. Nicholas secretly threw bags of gold through their window on three separate nights, saving the family from ruin. According to some versions, one bag landed in a stocking hung by the fireplace to dry, thus giving rise to the Christmas stocking tradition.
Nicholas became Bishop of Myra and was known for his fierce defence of Christian doctrine and his miraculous interventions. He reportedly saved sailors from storms, rescued children from danger, and provided food during famine. After his death on 6th December (around 343 AD), his tomb in Myra became a pilgrimage site, and his reputation for miracles grew.
The Veneration Spreads Across Europe
Saint Nicholas became one of the most popular saints in Christianity, with devotion spreading throughout Europe during the Middle Ages. His feast day, 6th December, became a major celebration across the continent, particularly in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Austria, and parts of France and Italy.
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In different cultures, Saint Nicholas was depicted in various ways. Still, certain elements remained consistent: he was a bishop, wearing traditional religious vestments including a mitre (tall pointed hat) and carrying a crosier (bishop’s staff). He was known for rewarding good children with gifts and treats.
The Dutch Sinterklaas
In the Netherlands and Belgium, Saint Nicholas became “Sinterklaas,” celebrated with particular enthusiasm. The Dutch tradition portrayed Sinterklaas as arriving by steamboat from Spain in mid-November, riding a white horse over the rooftops, and leaving gifts in children’s shoes left by the fireplace. Children would sing songs and leave carrots for his horse.
The name “Sinterklaas” is a Dutch contraction of “Sint Nicolaas” (Saint Nicholas). The pronunciation evolved over centuries from the formal Latin “Sanctus Nicolaus” through various Dutch dialectical forms into the familiar “Sinterklaas.”
Dutch Sinterklaas retained much of the bishop’s religious appearance: a long red robe, red mitre, white beard, and a serious, dignified demeanour. He carried a large book recording whether children had been good or bad throughout the year, which is an element that would later influence the Santa Claus tradition.
Thomas Nast’s Illustrations (1860s-1880s)
Political cartoonist Thomas Nast provided the first widely circulated visual depiction of the American Santa Claus in Harper’s Weekly magazine. Over several decades, Nast refined the image:
- Showed Santa in a red suit trimmed with white fur
- Depicted his North Pole workshop
- Created the imagery of Santa’s list of good and bad children
- Illustrated elves helping make toys
- Popularised the image of Santa reading letters from children
Nast’s Santa was still somewhat stern and serious, retaining traces of the original Saint Nicholas’s dignity, but was clearly the plump, bearded figure we recognise today.
Coca-Cola and Modern Santa (1930s)
While Coca-Cola did not invent the red-suited Santa (this is a common misconception), the company’s advertising campaigns from 1931 onward, featuring artist Haddon Sundblom’s paintings, standardised and spread the modern image globally. Sundblom’s Santa was warm, grandfatherly, unmistakably jolly, and consistently dressed in bright red and white.
This version of Santa became the international standard, reproduced in countless advertisements, films, decorations, and stories.
Linguistic Legacy: Names Around the World
The linguistic journey of Saint Nicholas into Santa Claus is mirrored in various forms across cultures:
English: Santa Claus or Father Christmas
Dutch: Sinterklaas (still celebrated separately on December 6th)
German: Der Weihnachtsmann (“Christmas Man”) or Sankt Nikolaus
French: Père Noël (“Father Christmas”)
Spanish: Papá Noel or San Nicolás
Italian: Babbo Natale (“Father Christmas”)
Russian: Ded Moroz (“Grandfather Frost”)—a separate figure with pre-Christian origins
Scandinavian languages: Julenissen (Norwegian), Jultomten (Swedish), Joulupukki (Finnish), relating to folklore spirits and Yule
Each name reflects the culture’s particular relationship with the Christmas gift-bringer tradition, some maintaining closer connections to Saint Nicholas, others developing independent characters.
Saint Nicholas vs. Santa Claus: What Changed?
The transformation from Saint Nicholas to Santa Claus involved several fundamental shifts:
Religious to Secular
Saint Nicholas was venerated as a Christian saint and miracle worker. Santa Claus, while retaining generosity and kindness, functions as a secular symbol accessible to people of all faiths or no faith.
Serious to Jolly
The historical saint and early European depictions showed a dignified, sometimes stern religious figure. Santa Claus is characterised by laughter, jolliness, and approachability.
6th December to 24th/25th December
The feast day shifted from Saint Nicholas Day to Christmas Eve/Day, merging the gift-giving tradition with the celebration of Christ’s birth in Christian tradition, and becoming part of the broader secular holiday.
Bishop’s Robes to Red Suit
Religious vestments transformed into a practical cold-weather outfit, though the colours (red and white) echo the traditional bishop’s attire.
Mediterranean to Arctic
The saint from warm Myra relocated to the snowy North Pole or Lapland, aligning with winter imagery and making the chimney entry more logical.
Historical Person to Mythical Being
Saint Nicholas was a real person whose good deeds inspired legends. Santa Claus is understood as a fictional character embodying the spirit of generosity.
Why the Transformation Matters
This evolution reflects broader cultural changes: the secularization of Western society, the commercialisation of Christmas, immigration and cultural blending in America, and the power of storytelling and media in shaping collective imagination.
Yet beneath all the changes, the core remains: a figure who rewards kindness, brings joy to children, and embodies generosity. Whether as Bishop Nicholas secretly throwing gold through windows or as Santa Claus flying across the world on Christmas Eve, the essential spirit of selfless giving endures.
The linguistic journey from “Sanctus Nicolaus” to “Santa Claus” mirrors humanity’s journey in how we tell stories, adapting ancient traditions to new contexts while preserving what matters most. Saint Nicholas would likely be astonished by his transformation into Santa Claus, but perhaps he would recognise in this jolly figure the same values he exemplified: generosity, love for children, and the joy of giving without expectation of return.
From Saint Nicholas to Santa Claus: A Linguistic and Cultural Journey
The transformation of a 4th-century Christian bishop into the jolly, red-suited Santa Claus is one of the most fascinating evolutions in cultural history. This journey spans continents, languages, and more than 1,700 years, blending religious devotion, folklore, immigration, and commercial enterprise into the beloved figure we celebrate today.
The Historical Saint Nicholas
Saint Nicholas of Myra was born around 270 AD in Patara, a port city in what is now southern Turkey, then part of the Roman Empire and known as Lycia. Born into a wealthy Christian family, Nicholas became known for his deep faith and extraordinary generosity, particularly toward children and those in poverty.
The most famous legend tells of three young sisters whose father could not afford dowries for their marriages, leaving them facing a desperate future. Nicholas secretly threw bags of gold through their window on three separate nights, saving the family from ruin. According to some versions, one bag landed in a stocking hung by the fireplace to dry, 5giving rise to the Christmas stocking tradition.
Nicholas became Bishop of Myra and was known for his fierce defence of Christian doctrine and his miraculous interventions. He reportedly saved sailors from storms, rescued children from danger, and provided food during famine. After his death on December 6th (around 343 AD), his tomb in Myra became a pilgrimage site, and his reputation for miracles grew.
The Veneration Spreads Across Europe
Saint Nicholas became one of the most popular saints in Christianity, with devotion spreading throughout Europe during the Middle Ages. His feast day, 6th December, became a major celebration across the continent, particularly in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Austria, and parts of France and Italy.
In different cultures, Saint Nicholas was depicted in various ways, but certain elements remained consistent: he was a bishop, wearing traditional religious vestments including a mitre (tall pointed hat) and carrying a crosier (bishop’s staff). He was known for rewarding good children with gifts and treats.
The Dutch Sinterklaas
In the Netherlands and Belgium, Saint Nicholas became “Sinterklaas,” celebrated with particular enthusiasm. The Dutch tradition portrayed Sinterklaas as arriving by steamboat from Spain in mid-November, riding a white horse over the rooftops, and leaving gifts in children’s shoes left by the fireplace. Children would sing songs and leave carrots for his horse.
The name “Sinterklaas” is a Dutch contraction of “Sint Nicolaas” (Saint Nicholas). The pronunciation evolved over centuries from the formal Latin “Sanctus Nicolaus” through various Dutch dialectical forms into the familiar “Sinterklaas.”
Dutch Sinterklaas retained much of the bishop’s religious appearance: a long red robe, red mitre, white beard, and a serious, dignified demeanour. He carried a large book recording whether children had been good or bad throughout the year—an element that would later influence the Santa Claus tradition.
The Journey to America
When Dutch colonists settled in New Amsterdam, becoming New York, in the 17th century, they brought their beloved Sinterklaas tradition with them. The name “Sinterklaas” was difficult for English speakers to pronounce, and through gradual linguistic adaptation, it evolved into “Santa Claus.”
The transformation happened in stages:
Sinterklaas (Dutch) → Sante Klaas (early American Dutch) → Sancte Claus (anglicised) → Santa Claus (modern English)
This wasn’t an overnight change but a gradual evolution occurring over the 18th and early 19th centuries as Dutch and English-speaking communities intermingled in New York and surrounding areas. Different spellings appeared in various documents: “St. A Claus,” “Sancte Claus,” “St. Nicholas,” and eventually “Santa Claus.”
The American Transformation
While the name evolved linguistically, the image and story of Santa Claus underwent an even more dramatic transformation in 19th-century America, shifting from religious saint to secular symbol of Christmas generosity.
Washington Irving’s Influence (1809)
American author Washington Irving’s satirical work “A History of New York” (published under the pseudonym Diedrich Knickerbocker) featured multiple references to Saint Nicholas as the patron saint of New York. Irving portrayed him flying over treetops in a wagon, delivering gifts down chimneys. While largely humorous, these descriptions began separating Saint Nicholas from his strictly religious context and gave him more magical, fantastical attributes.
“A Visit from St. Nicholas” (1823)
The most significant transformation came with the anonymous publication of the poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” (commonly known as “Twas the Night Before Christmas”) in 1823, later attributed to Clement Clarke Moore. This single poem revolutionised the Santa Claus mythology:
- Changed his transport from a horse to a sleigh pulled by eight flying reindeer (named Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, and Blitzen)
- Described him as a “jolly old elf” with a round belly and rosy cheeks
- Placed his arrival on Christmas Eve (December 24th/25th) rather than December 6th
- Emphasised his cheerful, laughing nature
- Established the chimney as his entry point
- Created the image of him placing a finger aside his nose before flying away
The poem became phenomenally popular, reprinted in newspapers and books across America and eventually throughout the English-speaking world. Its influence cannot be overstated, it essentially created the modern Santa Claus character.
Books on Santa Claus & St Nicholas
Available Worldwide
This comprehensive list includes books about Santa Claus and St Nicholas available in multiple formats: hardback, paperback, Kindle/e-book, audiobook (Audible), and accessibility-friendly editions for readers with dyslexia.
Books About St Nicholas (Historical & Religious)
Saint Nicholas: The Story of the Real Santa Claus
Author: Mary Joslin, illustrated by Helen Cann
Publisher: Lion Hudson
ISBN: 9780745947433
Formats:
Publisher information (Paperback version)
Publisher SPCK Publishing
ISBN 9780745949130
Number of pages 32
Dimensions 270 x 210 mm
Interest age: From 4 years
Weight: 155g
Book version: Paperback
Description: Beautifully illustrated retelling of St Nicholas’s life, including the famous dowry story. Based on the 13th-century Golden Legend. Suitable for introducing children to the historical saint behind Santa Claus.
Where to buy: Amazon Click Here Waterstones, World of Books
The Saint Who Would Be Santa Claus: The True Life and Trials of Nicholas of Myra
Author: Adam C. English
Hardback version
Publisher: Baylor University Press / Cascade Books
ISBN: 9781602586345
Number of pages: 242
Dimensions: 215x 139 x 21mm
Weight: 355 g
Paperback:
Publisher: Baylor University Press
ISBN: 9781602586352
Number of pages 242
Dimensions 215 x 139 x 13mm
Weight 313 g
Language: English
Book version: Hardback and Paperback
E-reader: Kindle edition available Click Here
Age Range: Adults and older teens
Description: Historically accurate chronicle of the real St Nicholas of Myra. Scholarly yet accessible, this book examines the life of the 4th-century bishop who became Santa Claus. Excellent for readers seeking historical depth and academic rigor.
Where to buy: Amazon Click Here, Waterstones, World of Books
The Real Santa Claus: Legends of St Nicholas
Author: Marianna Mayer
Publisher: Dial Books
ISBN: 9780803726246
Formats:
Book version: Hardback (Amazon UK)
Audio Books: Kindle edition available
Age Range: All ages
Description: Account of the life and times of the Bishop of Myra during the 4th century, exploring how the historical figure became the legend of Santa Claus.
Where to buy: Amazon
Saint Nicholas: The Origin Story of St Nick or Santa Claus
Author: Isaiah Cox
Publisher: CreateSpace
ISBN: 9781540602305
Formats:
Book Version: Paperback Click Here
E Reader: Kindle edition available Click Here
Age Range: Families
Description: Historical fiction in short story format, retelling the legendary background and deeds of St Nicholas. Designed to be read aloud during the holiday season.
Where to buy: Amazon
Advent with Saint Nicholas
Author: Jim Rosenthal
Publisher: Forward Movement & Morehouse Publishing
Formats:
Paperback
E Reader: Kindle, Nook, and iPad e-book editions available
Age Range: Adults
Description: Devotional booklet with scripture and reflection for all the days of Advent and Christmas. Shows how St Nicholas exemplifies Christian compassion and generosity. Affordable for distribution and group use.
Where to buy: Amazon
Books About Santa Claus (Modern & Fictional)
The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus
Author: L. Frank Baum (creator of The Wizard of Oz)
Publisher: Various (Public Domain)
Formats:
Book Version: Paperback Click Here and Hardback Click Here available
E Reader: Kindle edition available Click Here
Audiobook: on Audible UK (narrated by Christian Neale and B.J. Harrison) Click Here
Age Range: Children and families
Description: Classic tale exploring the origins of Santa from his magical upbringing in the Forest of Burzee to becoming the beloved Christmas figure. Introduces magical beings like Ryls, Knooks, and nymphs.
Where to buy: Amazon, Waterstones, Bookshop.org Click Here, World of Books
The Nicholas Book: A Legend of Santa Claus
Author: William Chad Newsom
Publisher: Independent
ISBN: 9780692802816
Formats:
Paperback (Amazon UK) Click Here
E Reader: Kindle edition available
Age Range: Children and families
Description: Adventure story weaving history and myth, mystery and magic. Follows children Joshua and Rachel as they search for the truth about St Nicholas and Santa Claus. Helps families explore the connection between the historical saint and modern Santa.
Where to buy: Amazon Click Here
Santa Claus: The Book of Secrets
Author: Russell Ince
Publisher: Independent
Formats:
Publisher information
Publisher: Waxcrayon Ltd
ISBN: 9780957577039
Number of pages: 36
Dimensions: 225 x 260 x 5mm
Weight: 180 g
Audio: Amazon (narrated by Mike Russell as “Santa Claus”) Length: Approximately 1 hour Click Here
Age Range: Children and families
Description: Santa Claus reveals the magical mysteries behind Christmas, answering questions about who he is and how he got his job. Short, family-friendly listen perfect for the holiday season.
Where to buy: Amazon Click Here (Hardback) Waterstones
Claus: Legend of the Fat Man (A Science Fiction Adventure) – Claus Universe 1 (Paperback)
Author: Tony Bertauski
Publisher: Independent
Formats:
Book version: Paperback and Hardback https://amzn.to/4ruOa1V
Publisher: Tony Bertauski
ISBN: 9780982845295 (Paperback)
Number of pages: 388
Dimensions: 229 x 152 x 20mm
Weight: 517g
Language: English
E-reader: Kindle edition available Click Here
Audiobook: on Audible UK (narrated by James Robert Killavey) Click Here
Age Range: Young adults and adults
Description: Imaginative retelling of how Santa came to be. In the early 1800s, Nicholas, Jessica, and Jon Santa trek to the North Pole and discover an ancient race of people left over from the Ice Age. Creative and fun alternative origin story.
Where to buy: Amazon Click HereClick Here (Paperback) https://amzn.to/3MkTQvb (Hardback), Waterstones, World of Books
The Science of Santa Claus (Winter Family Saga, Book 1)
Author: M.G. Knight
Publisher: Independent
Formats:
Book Version: Paperback and Hardback
E-Reader: Kindle edition available
Audiobook on Audible UK (narrated by Nathaniel Ascher)
Age Range: Children (middle grade)
Description: Young scientist Oliver Winter must protect ancient secrets while saving his family. Combines real-world science, cool technology, and the mysteries of Santa Claus.
Where to buy: Amazon
Children’s Picture Books & Stories
A Beautiful Story: Jesus & St Nick
Author: Sarah French
Illustrator: Robert Sauber
Formats:
Publisher: BNC Books Hardback version £16.99
ISBN: 9798986534404
Number of pages: 32
Dimensions:16 x 216 x 6 mm
Weight: 313g
Language: English
Publisher information
Publisher: BNC Books (Paperback) £10.99
ISBN: 9798986534411
Number of pages: 32
Dimensions: 216 x 216 x 2mm
Weight: 100g
Language: English
E Reader: Kindle edition Click Here
Age Range: Young children
Description: Simple explanation of how Nicholas became Santa Claus and how everyone is called to love like Jesus. Helps children understand the connection between faith and Christmas giving.
Where to buy: Amazon Click Here (hardback) Click Here(paperback), Waterstones
Mrs Claus and the Christmas Adventure Series
Author: Carol Anne Carter
Formats:
Publisher information
Publisher: Hope Books Ltd
ISBN: 9781908567048
Number of pages: 144
Dimensions: 229 x 152 x 8mm
Weight: 200 g
Language: English
Book version: Paperback
E-reader: Kindle edition Click Here
Audiobook on Audible UK (narrated by Nathan E. Bradshaw) Click Here
Age Range: 4-8 years
Description: Fun series featuring Mrs Claus saving Christmas by delivering forgotten presents. Adventures include snowboarding around the world and dealing with sabotage at the North Pole.
Where to buy: Amazon Click Here, Waterstones, World of Books
Yes, Virginia There Is a Santa Claus
Author: Francis Pharcellus Church (author) Laren Martin (author, Illustrator)
Formats:
Publisher information
Publisher: Ingram Spark
ISBN: 9781088043349
Number of pages: 26
Dimensions: 216 x 216 x 6mm
Weight: 299 g
Language: English
Book Version: Hardback
Publisher: Independently
ISBN: 9798353793151
Number of pages: 26
Dimensions: 216 x 216 x 2mm
Weight: 86 g
Language: English
Book Version: Paperback
E-reader: Kindle edition Click Here
Audiobook: on Audible UK Click Here
Age Range: All ages
Description: The famous 1897 letter to the New York Sun and its heartwarming response about the existence of Santa Claus. A Christmas classic exploring belief and imagination.
Where to buy: Amazon Click Here (paperback version)
Recommendations by Reading Level
For Young Children (Ages 4-8):
A Beautiful Story: Jesus & St Nick
Author: Sarah French Illustrator: Robert Sauber
Publisher: BNC Books
ISBN: 9798986534404
Number of pages: 32
Dimensions: 216 x 216 x 6mm
Weight: 313 g
Language: English
Hardback
Publisher: BNC Books
ISBN: 9798986534411
Number of pages: 32
Dimensions: 216 x 216 x 2mm
Weight: 100g
Language: English
Where to buy: Amazon Click Here, Waterstones
For Young Adults & Adults:
Santa Claus: The King of the Elves
Author: B C Chase
E-reader: Kindle: Click Here
Audio: Audible Click Here
Where to buy: Amazon Click Here
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