the original santa claus, st. nicholas, was born in the ancient southeastern turkish town of lycia early in the fourth century. his generosity was legend, and he was particularly fond of children. we know this primarily through roman accounts of his patronage of youth, which eventually led to his becoming the patron saint of children. throughout the middle ages, and well beyond, he was referred to by many names none of them santa claus.

　　children today would not at all recognize the st. nick who brought gifts to european children hundreds of years ago except perhaps for his cascading white beard. he made his rounds in full red-and-white bishop's robes, complete with twin peaked miter and crooked crozier. he was pulled by no fleet footed reindeer, but coaxed in indolent donkey. and he arrived not late on christmas eve, but on his christian feast day, december 6. the gifts he left beside the hearth were usually small: fruit, nuts, hard candies, wood and clay

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