There are so many family traditions that many of us celebrate every year during the Christmas season. Most of us never give a thought as to why we have these traditions or where they came from. We all get caught up in the hustle and bustle of shopping, cooking, wrapping and decorating that we probably don't ever think about the reasoning behind these familiar traditions that we pass on to our children and grandchildren. Maybe this year you can enlighten the children about some of the history behind the traditions you practice in your family each year. Make them more than just familiar traditions, turn them into fantastic stories to pass down. Children love to hear stories and if it's a good one, they will remember it for life and pass it on to their children.

It all started with a man called Santa Claus. The legend of Santa Claus can be traced back hundreds of years. The story starts with a monk named Saint Nicholas. As the old legend goes, Saint Nicholas was born sometime around 280 A.D. in Patara, Turkey which is near Myra in the country of Turkey we know today. Much admired for his piety and kindness, St. Nicholas was the center of many grand tales. These legends have been passed down to generations and generations of children.

It is thought that he gave away all of his inherited wealth and riches so he could travel the country. He wanted to travel so he could help the poor and sick. One of the more popular St. Nick stories is the one about him saving three poor sisters from being sold into a life of slavery or prostitution by their father. Other stories tell of St. Nick saving people from famine and disease, sparing the lives of those innocently accused, and much more. He did many kind and generous deeds without expecting anything in return.

Over the course of hundreds of years, Saint Nicholas's popularity spread across the globe. The Saint became known as the great protector of children. He was admired for his work to help the needy. He was also revered for his great Christian faith. By the Renaissance period, St. Nicholas was the most popular saint in all of Europe. Even after the Protestant Reformation, when the admiration of all saints was discouraged, Saint Nicholas was able to maintain a good reputation. He is honored by all of the Christian world, in both the East and West.
In the West, he is especially honored as he is considered the great patron Saint of children and the jolly giver of gifts. He is often called Santa Claus.

On the anniversary of his death which is thought to be December 6, a feast day is celebrated. This was traditionally considered a lucky day to get married or make large purchases. Another tradition that we all are familiar with is writing a letter to Santa. Writing letters to Santa Claus has been a Christmas tradition for many years. These letters from children usually includes a wishlist of toys and gifts. Children often include their accomplishment of good behavior.

Letters from Santa are still mailed out every year around the globe.