There Really is a Santa Claus - History of Saint Nicholas & Christmas Holiday Traditions

There Really is a Santa Claus - History of Saint Nicholas & Christmas Holiday Traditions PDF Author: William J. Federer
Publisher: Amerisearch, Inc.
ISBN: 9780965355742
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 346

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Book Description
"Includes U.S. president's Christmas addresses."

There Really is a Santa Claus - History of Saint Nicholas & Christmas Holiday Traditions

There Really is a Santa Claus - History of Saint Nicholas & Christmas Holiday Traditions PDF Author: William J. Federer
Publisher: Amerisearch, Inc.
ISBN: 9780965355742
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 346

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Book Description
"Includes U.S. president's Christmas addresses."

American Minute

American Minute PDF Author: William J. Federer
Publisher: Amerisearch, Inc.
ISBN: 9780965355780
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 420

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Book Description
This is an interesting and inspiring collection of history vignettes, one for each day of the year. Well-known national holidays and achievements are recalled in detail as well as facts of courage, sacrifice, and captivating American trivia.

There Really is a Santa Claus

There Really is a Santa Claus PDF Author: William Joseph Federer
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Christmas
Languages : en
Pages : 341

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Book Description


Saint Nicholas and Santa Claus

Saint Nicholas and Santa Claus PDF Author: Charles River Editors
Publisher: Independently Published
ISBN: 9781793304551
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 76

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Book Description
*Includes pictures *Includes contemporary accounts *Includes online resources and a bibliography for further reading Christmas is the most important holiday of the year. After the corresponding days that exalt the national pride of each country, such as Independence Day in the United States, Victory Day in Russia, or Bastille Day in France, it's December 25 that articulates the life, the work and the economy in much of the world, including many non-Christian countries. Since ancient times, the beginning of winter has been the occasion for most people to eat, drink, dance, and get together to beat the drum and take a break. Especially since the 20th century on, the days adjacent to the holiday have become an occasion to do big business. The winter season is the most solid stimulus for the economy - more than any fiscal package - since the incomes of families, spending, credit, and consumption in all productive sectors are significantly increased. In the United States alone, Christmas sales are estimated to generate $3 trillion. One of the most important figures constantly brought up during the Christmas season is Saint Nicholas, despite the fact most people know little about him. In the 21st century, Saint Nicholas (or as people often refer to him, "Jolly Old Saint Nick") has been reduced to a pretend, adorably portly grandfather-type, a visual often accompanied by a fleet of magical reindeer and a bustling workshop staffed by endlessly cheerful elves. Most assume, quite understandably, that Saint Nicholas was the fount of inspiration that Santa Claus' myth weavers steadily drank from over the centuries. While this is accurate to some extent, it is important to remember that the parallels between Saint Nicholas and the present-day Santa Claus marketed by mass media are actually quite limited. As a result, this internationally celebrated figure has become more fiction than fact. However, when historians peel back the superficial layers of whimsy and caricatural perkiness swathed around his name, an image arises of a far more complex and fascinating character who did more than kick off the timeless tradition of gift-giving. Nicholas was not just a seasonal gift-giver, but a philanthropist who dedicated his life to helping the disadvantaged. He was not just a beloved bishop, but a fierce defender of the faith who remained undaunted in the face of persecution. To brand him a pious and God-fearing individual would be a massive understatement - indeed, he was, to those around him, the definition of a walking divinity, and an unrivaled miracle-worker sent straight from Heaven. Meanwhile, the turning point for old St. Nicholas, now Santa Claus, came with the December 24, 1881 edition of Harper ́s Weekly. Artist Thomas Nast gave him his definitive look for the Christmas issue as an old man with a huge round belly and a belt, a thick white beard, a red nose, a cap, mistletoe on his head, a miniature horse toy in one hand, a pipe between his fingers, and a child hanging from his neck. Ever since, Santa has been known the world over for being delightfully paunchy and endlessly jolly. To most, these two descriptors alone are enough to conjure up his name, and lead them to envision a round-bellied, grandfather-type, clad in a fur-trimmed, cherry-red ensemble, armed with candy canes and a bottomless sack of presents, and blessed with a bushy, silvery-white beard. Saint Nicholas and Santa Claus: The History of the Man and the Character Behind the Most Popular Christmas Traditions looks at what the real bishop's life was like, and how he served as the historical inspiration for Santa. Along with pictures depicting important people, places, and events, you will learn about Saint Nicholas and Santa Claus like never before.

The Immortal Nicholas

The Immortal Nicholas PDF Author: Glenn Beck
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 1476798842
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 336

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Book Description
"Bestselling author Glenn Beck re-tells the story of Santa Claus, imagining him at the first Christmas and casting him as a guardian for the infant and adult Jesus"--

The Saint Who Would Be Santa Claus

The Saint Who Would Be Santa Claus PDF Author: Adam C. English
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781602586352
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 244

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Book Description
The real story of Santa-and why he became a Saint

The True Story of Santa Claus

The True Story of Santa Claus PDF Author: Janet Giovanelli
Publisher: Centennial Books
ISBN: 1951274423
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 99

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Book Description
He's a symbol of hope and hapiness, of generosity and benevolence. Santa Clause is simply one of the most beloved legends ever embraced. The Story of Santa explores the history of Father Christmas. Who is he, really? Where did he come from? (His origins may surprise you!) Why does he fulfill our wishes? And what can we learn from him? He's become a ubiquitous figure during the Christmas season with his white beard, red suit, and prominent belly, but just how much do those celebrating the happy holiday really know about Santa Claus? Here is the whole story from the beginning—including the pre-Santas like Sinterklaas, Father Christmas, and of course, St. Nicholas. This beautifully illustrated book celebrates all things Santa ranging from the much-loved poem "The Night Before Christmas" to the songs, movies, images, and stories that are loved by both young and old. Along the way, it explores the favorite stories that have sprung up around him, including Santa’s elves, his workshop, Santa’s beloved reindeer and the legend of Mrs. Claus and the North Pole abode where she and her husband make their home. You'll even learn the secret to how Santa has time to visit every house around the world in just one night (a mathematician explains how it’s physically possible).

Santa Claus, Last of the Wild Men

Santa Claus, Last of the Wild Men PDF Author: Phyllis Siefker
Publisher: McFarland
ISBN: 9780786402465
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 232

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Book Description
Much of the modern-day vision of Santa Claus is owed to the Clement Moore poem The Night Before Christmas. His description of Saint Nicholas personified the jolly old elf known to millions of children throughout the world. However, far from being the offshoot of Saint Nicholas of Turkey, Santa Claus is the last of a long line of what scholars call Wild Men who were worshipped in ancient European fertility rites and came to America through Pennsylvania's Germans. This pagan creature is described from prehistoric times through his various forms--Robin Hood, The Fool, Harlequin, Satan and Robin Goodfellow--into today's carnival and Christmas scenes. In this thoroughly researched work, the origins of Santa Claus are found to stretch back over 50,000 years, jolting the foundation of Christian myths about the jolly old elf.

The True Saint Nicholas

The True Saint Nicholas PDF Author: William J. Bennett
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 1439166404
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 100

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Book Description
Former secretary of education and New York Times bestselling author William Bennett blends his historical expertise with his gift for storytelling into a heartwarming book about the man who ultimately became known as Santa Claus. Beloved writer and speaker William Bennett brings the legendary Saint Nicholas to life in this fascinating and faith-affirming book that will change the way you think about Santa Claus and the meaning of Christmas. Bennett reflects on Saint Nicholas’s storied life, which has spanned seventeen centuries across Europe, Asia, and Africa, and reveals an inspiring tale of devotion to God and an example of eternal goodness. The True Saint Nicholas: Why He Matters to Christmas focuses on three aspects of Saint Nicholas—historical facts from his life, his legacy in the centuries following his death, and the legendary status that transformed his likeness into the present-day jolly, toy-bearing Santa Claus. The book vividly captures the heart and life of someone who lived long ago—and yet whose life remains an inspiration for everyone to aspire to a higher order of generosity, giving, and devotion to others. An instant classic by one of America’s most respected thinkers, The True Saint Nicholas is a memorable keepsake to be shared with family and friends every year to evoke the true spirit of Christmas.

Saint Nicholas

Saint Nicholas PDF Author: Julie Stiegemeyer
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780758613417
Category : Juvenile Nonfiction
Languages : en
Pages : 32

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Book Description
A retelling of the legend in which Saint Nicholas generously supplies the dowries for three girls from a poor family.