The Original Santa: The Wonderworker Saint Nicholas of Myra (vegetarian), Part 1 of 2

One of the most well-known Christian personages, after Lord Jesus Christ (vegetarian), is Saint Nicholas (vegetarian). Modern Christmas celebrations adopted Santa Claus from “Sinterklaas,” Dutch for Saint Nicholas. Idealized as the red-suited, eternally jolly deliverer of gifts, Santa Claus has become the focus of fantasies for families and the young at heart, in many corners of the world, at Christmastime.

We know that Saint Nicholas was born into a family of very pious early Christians and was prone to spontaneous acts of benevolence. He became an archbishop at a relatively young age, eventually playing a role in shaping the Christian religion that continues to this day.

Michael the Archimandrite, who authored “The Life of Saint Nicholas” in the ninth century, mentions that from an early age, various signs indicated that Saint Nicholas was destined for a spiritual life. For instance, as an infant, he never cried for his mother’s milk, feeding only on Wednesdays and Fridays at a set time like a disciplined ascetic. Michael the Archimandrite writes, “He was nurtured in his mother’s arms on a miraculous type of diet and was thought by those who observed well to be someone set apart for God.”

Although very wealthy, Saint Nicholas’ devout parents always strove to remain humble and untainted by worldly gain, passing this noble example on to their son. He diligently avoided the corrupt domains of business and political affairs, even interest in the opposite gender, preferring to stay in sacred spaces and to remember God. As Michael the Archimandrite wrote, “He enlightened his mind daily, Divinely elevating it to the pure and truest devotion.”

When Saint Nicholas was about 18 years old, both of his beloved parents passed away, leaving him with a significant inheritance. Saint Nicholas continued his pious Christian life. At the same time, he began distributing his wealth to those in need, earning him a reputation for kindness as well as wisdom.

During these early years in Saint Nicholas’ life, a significant event was chronicled, revealing him as the secretive nocturnal giver. This story was echoed on through to the present age, forming part of the legend of Santa Claus.