This Holidays

Writen by Ed Shettlemore

Yet, it's well documented. Santa's has been doing their "thing", delighting boys and girls, yes, even adults, for thousand of years. Even before Christ in Scandinavia. There, "Santa's" forefather was a Viking God named Odin who in winter on his eight footed horse, Sleipnir, rode throughout the world giving out gifts or punishments. In the pagan world; during the same period the Germans looked forward tot he gentle German goddess Hertha coming down with her gifts of good fortune and health.

As Christianity spread, the season brought into being one known as Saint Nicholas, who was born in the Middle East about 350 miles northwest of Bethlehem in the fourth century. . Writings tell of fact that he was very humble (as well as being very shy), and of his love for children, his kindness and the miracles he brought about.

Perhaps the most famous story of all tells how he helped three unfortunate young sisters who all had suitors but had no dowries because their father, a poor nobleman, could not raise the money. Now the bishop Nicholas was a shy man and did not like to give money directly, so he thought of a way to give it anonymously. When the first daughter was ready to marry, the good bishop tossed a bag of gold into the house at night. Later, when the second daughter prepared to marry, she too received a mysterious bag of gold. When the third daughter prepared to marry, the poor nobleman was determined to find out who had been so generous. So he kept watch and saw the bishop drop another bag of gold into the house. It has been said that Saint Nicholas climbed on the roof and dropped the third bag of gold down the chimney where it landed in a stocking hung to dry, giving us a reason to hang up Christmas stockings today. When the father saw what had happened,

Being known for his kindness and generosity, he became the patron saint of judges, murderers, pawnbrokers, thieves, merchants, paupers, scholars, sailors, bakers, travelers, maidens and poor children. He is the national saint of Russia and Greece and there are churches named after him number in the thousands - more than 400 in Great Britain alone.

When the Dutch immigrated to America they took their beloved saint with them. As the 17th century Dutch New Amsterdam was becoming 18th century English New York; with their arrival, the Dutch Sinterklaas did become forerunner for Santa Claus in the United States. Where he was given helpers; Parents, seized the opportunity to coerce good behavior, played up this helper of Santa's.

With this kind of history and the "good" credited to this Jolly fat man in the red suit and his helpers each season, certainly one must conclude there is a Santa. Even if is it only in the spirit of Love, good will, peace and cheer we experience each Christmas season.

I have been writing for pleasure off and on at different free sites for several years. It gives me a feeling of self satisfaction when I receive comments from the readers. Especially those that say they were entertained or had learned something new. So, I look forward to hearing from you