Chats

Less than a week until the eventful day of Santa’s arrival! Children are getting wide-eyed and giddy with anticipation! Their stockings are hung and trees, glittering with twinkling lights, have appeared in most homes. So, what started this tradition, this trend?

Way back in time, in A.D. 280 a baby was born near Myra in modern-day Turkey. He became a monk noted for his piety and kindness. That man was Saint Nicholas. That name was beloved by people all over the world. The Dutch for Saint Nicholas was Sinter Klaas who brought gifts for children and put them in their wooden shoes. Santa Clause was derived from Sinter Klaas to provide yet another name for that red-clad bewhiskered bringer of gifts. December 6 was originally celebrated each year to commemorate Saint Nicholas’s birthday, but that changed over the years.

The 1944 classic, “Miracle on 34th Street” featured a Kris Kringle instead of a Santa Claus, so that is just one of his many names. In 1822, a man named Clement Clark Moore, an Episcopal minister, wrote a famous poem for his three daughters. That poem was “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” which is responsible for the modern image of Santa Claus as a jolly old elf with a portly belly and supernatural powers of flight.

If you watch Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, you’ve seen a rendition of Santa about every year since the first parade in 1924. I’d say Santa has had a good run, and still delights children and adults every year. Enjoy your children and family during this Christmas season and hold tight to all those wonderful memories. I never personally sat on Santa’s lap to tell him of my childhood wishes, but millions of children have- to their delight and wonderment!

Pancho Claus has also been seen at this festive season bringing gifts and joy to people, so embrace your favorite Claus as you celebrate. Put your heart into this holiday, and even The Grinch’s heart will be touched. Good tidings to all from the Cub Center. Thank you for supporting us through the years by your volunteer efforts and by your monetary gifts. Thanks for partnering with us to support some of Olney’s needs. Olney is a special place! Remember the REASON for celebrating this SEASON! Yes, the gift