Santa
The Real Story

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.