Santa Claus is one of the most well known characters associated with Christmas and gift giving. The story of Santa Claus, or Saint Nicholas, dates back to 270 AD. Saint Nicholas was an actual person in 270 AD who lived in Ancient Greece. The story of Saint Nick says he saved a family with three girls who had been sold into prostitution by dropping a bag of gold coins in their window every night for three nights. He also had been rumored to have calmed a storm at sea and saved countless convicts and thieves from execution.

The Santa Claus we think about today is usually the large, jolly old man in a red flamboyant outfit who says “Ho ho ho!” and brings gifts to all. However, it is important to remember that Saint Nicholas was the original “Santa” who saved people instead of just giving them toys. Remember that Christmas is more than just receiving and giving gifts by taking some time this season to think about all you are already blessed with.