History Made Every Day™

The History of Christmas

The man we know as Santa Claus has a history all his own. Explore the articles here to find information about the history of Santa Claus, his earliest origins, and how he became the jolly man in red that we know today.

The Legend of St. Nicholas

The legend of Santa Claus can be traced back hundreds of years to a monk named St. Nicholas.

» Trace Santa's origins

Sinter Klass Comes to New York

The name Santa Claus evolved from Nick's Dutch nickname, Sinter Klaas, a shortened form of Sint Nikolaas.

»Learn how Sinter Klass became Santa Claus

Shopping Mall Santas

Santas have been greeting children in stores at Christmas for generations.

» Find out how Santa got to the mall

'Twas the Night Before Christmas

The poem that shaped our modern image of Santa was written in 1822.

»Get the story of the jolly old elf

The Many Names of Santa

Other countries have their own traditions about Santa Claus.

» Find out Santa's other names

Rudolph: The Ninth Reindeer

You know the song, now learn the history behind it.

»Get the story of Rudolph

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