- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- preschoolers today articles
- preschoolers today q&a
- children today articles
- children today q&a
- community & groups
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
From Our Sponsors
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
The Santa Myth
One Mom Shares Her Views on Santa
By Kelly Burgess
Saint Nicholas is the national saint of Russia and Greece, and churches named after him number in the thousands – more than 400 in Great Britain alone. He is known as the friend and protector of all those in trouble. He was born in the Middle East in the fourth century and grew up to become the bishop of Myra. Legends tell of his love for children, his kindness and the miracles he brought about.
The most famous story, and the one that led to his enduring legacy as a giver of gifts, tells how he helped three unfortunate young sisters who all had suitors but could not marry because their father was too poor to give them dowries.
Nicholas wanted to help the family, but he did not want to give them money directly. Instead, one night, he tossed a bag of gold into the house. He repeated it when the second daughter was ready to marry.
When his third daughter was ready to marry, the girls' father was determined to find out who had been so generous. He kept watch and saw the bishop drop another bag of gold into the house. Legend has it that Nicholas climbed on the roof and dropped the third bag of gold down the chimney where it landed in a stocking that had been hung there to dry, which has led to our tradition of stockings by the fireplace. Other versions of the story have it landing in a shoe, which is why children in some countries leave shoes by the fireplace.
The father spotted Nicholas, and, although the bishop begged him to keep the secret, the father wanted to give credit where it was due. From then on, whenever anyone received an unexpected gift, they thanked Nicholas. After his death, his legend spread linked to kindness, giving and generosity.
Want to see more?
- Holiday Headquarters
- Cultural Traditions: Celebrating Christmas Around the World
- Homes for the Holidays: Economical Decorating With Your Family
- Here Comes Santa Claus: Holiday Shopping for the Budget Conscious
- Parents Say the Darndest Things: Funny Phrases Moms and Dads Say to Their Preschoolers
- Twas the Night for Assembling
- Confessions of a Tooth Fairy
Comments
Found 1 comment
Displaying all 1 comments below
|
Post As:
|
||
| Enter your comment below: | ||
| Title | ||
| Comment Text | ||
| CAPTCHA | ||
| Please note that any comments submitted become the property of Disney Family / iParenting and can be edited and posted at our discrection. | ||
Re: The Santa Myth by anonymous on 12/22/2009 02:59PM
I have always had a hard time with Santa. I grew up without Christmas for religious reasons, but now I love the holiday and both of my children (5 and 8) believe in Santa. My 8 yr old daughter has been asking me about the tooth fairy and Santa because kids at school are telling her that it is just her parents. I have been turning the question around on her; Do you believe? I tell her I still believe in magic and I hope I always do. I have always wondered if kids felt betrayed for being lied to. I hope my kids don't feel that way.