Santa Claus or St. Nicholas, was born in Turkey in the 4th century and was renowned for his philanthropy. As the story goes, Saint Nicholas once assisted a man by anonymously dropping a bag of gold down the chimney for his daughters wedding. After helping the same man in a similar manner for the marriage of his second and third daughters he was caught in the act. He was captivated and tortured by the Romans. But when Constantine became emperor of Rome, he permitted Nicholas to go free. Constantine converted his religion and became a Christian and convened the Council of Nicaea in 325. Nicholas was a delegate to the council.
Santa Claus is especially famous for his love of children and for his generosity so much so that he has become the patron saint of children. The Dutch kept the legend of St. Nicholas alive by placing their wooden shoes by the hearth in hopes that Santa Claus would fill them with treats. The Dutch spelled St. Nicholas as Sint Nikolaas, which became Sinterklaas, and finally, in Anglican, to Santa Claus. An important figure for the Christians, Santas roaring laughter and presents that he brings along conveys the true essence of Christmas.
