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The True Saint Nicholas: Why He Matters to Christmas
Former secretary of education and New York Times bestselling author William Bennett blends his historical expertise with his gift for storytelling into a heartwarming book about the man who ultimately became known as Santa Claus.
Beloved writer and speaker William Bennett brings the legendary Saint Nicholas to life in this fascinating and faith-affirming book that will change the way you think about Santa Claus and the meaning of Christmas. Bennett reflects on Saint Nicholas’s storied life, which has spanned seventeen centuries across Europe, Asia, and Africa, and reveals an inspiring tale of devotion to God and an example of eternal goodness.
The True Saint Why He Matters to Christmas focuses on three aspects of Saint Nicholas—historical facts from his life, his legacy in the centuries following his death, and the legendary status that transformed his likeness into the present-day jolly, toy-bearing Santa Claus. The book vividly captures the heart and life of someone who lived long ago—and yet whose life remains an inspiration for everyone to aspire to a higher order of generosity, giving, and devotion to others.
An instant classic by one of America’s most respected thinkers, The True Saint Nicholas is a memorable keepsake to be shared with family and friends every year to evoke the true spirit of Christmas.
Beloved writer and speaker William Bennett brings the legendary Saint Nicholas to life in this fascinating and faith-affirming book that will change the way you think about Santa Claus and the meaning of Christmas. Bennett reflects on Saint Nicholas’s storied life, which has spanned seventeen centuries across Europe, Asia, and Africa, and reveals an inspiring tale of devotion to God and an example of eternal goodness.
The True Saint Why He Matters to Christmas focuses on three aspects of Saint Nicholas—historical facts from his life, his legacy in the centuries following his death, and the legendary status that transformed his likeness into the present-day jolly, toy-bearing Santa Claus. The book vividly captures the heart and life of someone who lived long ago—and yet whose life remains an inspiration for everyone to aspire to a higher order of generosity, giving, and devotion to others.
An instant classic by one of America’s most respected thinkers, The True Saint Nicholas is a memorable keepsake to be shared with family and friends every year to evoke the true spirit of Christmas.
128 pages, Hardcover
First published October 12, 2009
252 people are currently reading
656 people want to read
About the author
William J. Bennett
131 books198 followersWilliam J. "Bill" Bennett is a politician and author who served in the Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush administrations, as chief of National Endowment for the Humanities and later Secretary of Education under Reagan, and Drug Czar under Bush. He is a nationally well-known figure of political and social conservatism and authored many books on politics, ethics, and international relations.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 171 reviews
December 24, 2022
"The True Saint Nicholas: Why He Matters to Christmas" by William J. Bennett is a Mixture of the History and Legend of Saint Nicholas!
I've always wanted to know more about Saint Nicholas and how this religious figure relates to the basis behind the fiction of "Santa Claus". This short read gives the low-down for all things St. Nick!
Despite being a short read/listen, it took effort for me to get through all the detail. This heavily researched book encompasses the historical facts of Saint Nicholas' life, his legacy through the centuries following his death, and the legendary stories that transforms his likeness into the present-day, rosy cheeked, Jolly Ole St. Nick.
A little heavy in religious facts, Saint Nicholas lived March 15, 270 AD - December 6, 343 AD, but much of ancient history does center around religion. I did enjoy the trip through the ages and the many legends mentioned about Saint Nicholas but I do wonder how much is fact and how much is not.
The brief history about the development of the modern-day Santa Claus was interesting but I was hoping for more detail and not so much of, what felt like, an afterthought. This is the main reason I wanted to read/listen to this book, so this is a disappointment.
The audiobook is narrated by the author, William J. Bennett, who does a fine job. I also read through the Kindle version and found both formats to be an equally pleasant experience.
I do recommend this short read/listen to those readers who enjoy historical facts blended with colorful legend! 3.5 stars!
I've always wanted to know more about Saint Nicholas and how this religious figure relates to the basis behind the fiction of "Santa Claus". This short read gives the low-down for all things St. Nick!
Despite being a short read/listen, it took effort for me to get through all the detail. This heavily researched book encompasses the historical facts of Saint Nicholas' life, his legacy through the centuries following his death, and the legendary stories that transforms his likeness into the present-day, rosy cheeked, Jolly Ole St. Nick.
A little heavy in religious facts, Saint Nicholas lived March 15, 270 AD - December 6, 343 AD, but much of ancient history does center around religion. I did enjoy the trip through the ages and the many legends mentioned about Saint Nicholas but I do wonder how much is fact and how much is not.
The brief history about the development of the modern-day Santa Claus was interesting but I was hoping for more detail and not so much of, what felt like, an afterthought. This is the main reason I wanted to read/listen to this book, so this is a disappointment.
The audiobook is narrated by the author, William J. Bennett, who does a fine job. I also read through the Kindle version and found both formats to be an equally pleasant experience.
I do recommend this short read/listen to those readers who enjoy historical facts blended with colorful legend! 3.5 stars!
December 31, 2022
It is a piece of history worth knowing, especially at Christmastime. May it help us remember the true spirit of Christmas and the message of loving one another brought to us by a babe in a manager so long ago.
You may have heard the legend of the three bags of gold that a young Saint Nicholas threw into a needy household in the 3rd century AD. Without a doubt you have heard of the many variations of his name like Sinterklaas in the Netherlands (my favorite) and Sankt Niklaus in Germany all merging into the Americanized version -- Santa Claus. In this fact-filled volume, Bennett gives a chronological account with some really interesting details from history to show how our understanding of this figure has evolved over time. So interesting and inspiring. This is why he matters to Christmas.
You may have heard the legend of the three bags of gold that a young Saint Nicholas threw into a needy household in the 3rd century AD. Without a doubt you have heard of the many variations of his name like Sinterklaas in the Netherlands (my favorite) and Sankt Niklaus in Germany all merging into the Americanized version -- Santa Claus. In this fact-filled volume, Bennett gives a chronological account with some really interesting details from history to show how our understanding of this figure has evolved over time. So interesting and inspiring. This is why he matters to Christmas.
December 18, 2019
It’s a short read; only 112 pages.
There were two things that struck me as I read this book, one indirect, the other plainly expressed. The first was this, that the world is hungry for enchantment. We all hope to find that magic lamppost on the other side of every wardrobe door.
The second lesson that struck me as I read was that the real Nicholas was concerned with eliminating the Greek devotion to Artemis, but in time his legend grew to replace hers in the hearts and lives of all peoples. But how did this happen, I asked myself as I read. It happened because people told stories, over and over again. They told their stories, and the love inherent in them (a direct result of Christianity and its impact upon the world) found an easy resting place in the hearts and minds of men and women who had been completely at the mercy of gods who were untrustworthy, cunning, and at times, downright wicked.
How do we change the world? One bright story at a time, filled to the brim with the beauty and the glory of the God-made-man. He is our only hope in this sin-darkened world of woe. He is the Prince of Peace.
There were two things that struck me as I read this book, one indirect, the other plainly expressed. The first was this, that the world is hungry for enchantment. We all hope to find that magic lamppost on the other side of every wardrobe door.
The second lesson that struck me as I read was that the real Nicholas was concerned with eliminating the Greek devotion to Artemis, but in time his legend grew to replace hers in the hearts and lives of all peoples. But how did this happen, I asked myself as I read. It happened because people told stories, over and over again. They told their stories, and the love inherent in them (a direct result of Christianity and its impact upon the world) found an easy resting place in the hearts and minds of men and women who had been completely at the mercy of gods who were untrustworthy, cunning, and at times, downright wicked.
How do we change the world? One bright story at a time, filled to the brim with the beauty and the glory of the God-made-man. He is our only hope in this sin-darkened world of woe. He is the Prince of Peace.
June 28, 2020
I was a little unsure about this one at first. I had already read Adam C. English’s excellent work, The Saint Who Would Be Santa Claus: The True Life and Trials of Nicholas of Myra, and I wasn’t sure that I’d learn anything new from this much shorter study by William Bennett. I am happy to report that this account moves in a very different direction, takes an in-depth look at many different aspects both of Nicholas’ life and of his legend, and contains much information that was new to me.
Bennett’s goal here seems to have been to paint as complete a picture as possible. Although it is impossible to verify much of anything from Nicholas’ third- and fourth-century life, Bennett nevertheless is careful to indicate what elements are more grounded in historical context and which ones are more fanciful. He surprised me by sharing some of the more legendary tales, events that almost certainly were not history; he has included these stories as a way of tracking the saint’s fame and honor among various people in the centuries that followed his death. So this book isn’t just the history of the man: it’s also the history of the legend. And he follows those threads through the various reimaginings of St. Nicholas all the way up to the present day. The real St. Nicholas endured hardship and persecution; he is remembered for his participation in the Council of Nicaea in 325, as well as for his acts of charity. The modern St. Nicholas—for all the flying reindeer, red suit, bottle of Coke, and little elves—still reminds children of the importance of charity, kindness, and love. This book, then, is more than a history: it’s a celebration. Its description of Nicolas’ journey from man to saint to legend embraces all the stages of the experience, and it acknowledges all people of all times who have loved and shaped these stories. A loving portrait of a real human, and also of all the many ways that St. Nicholas continues to brighten the holiday season for children around the world.
Bennett’s goal here seems to have been to paint as complete a picture as possible. Although it is impossible to verify much of anything from Nicholas’ third- and fourth-century life, Bennett nevertheless is careful to indicate what elements are more grounded in historical context and which ones are more fanciful. He surprised me by sharing some of the more legendary tales, events that almost certainly were not history; he has included these stories as a way of tracking the saint’s fame and honor among various people in the centuries that followed his death. So this book isn’t just the history of the man: it’s also the history of the legend. And he follows those threads through the various reimaginings of St. Nicholas all the way up to the present day. The real St. Nicholas endured hardship and persecution; he is remembered for his participation in the Council of Nicaea in 325, as well as for his acts of charity. The modern St. Nicholas—for all the flying reindeer, red suit, bottle of Coke, and little elves—still reminds children of the importance of charity, kindness, and love. This book, then, is more than a history: it’s a celebration. Its description of Nicolas’ journey from man to saint to legend embraces all the stages of the experience, and it acknowledges all people of all times who have loved and shaped these stories. A loving portrait of a real human, and also of all the many ways that St. Nicholas continues to brighten the holiday season for children around the world.
December 14, 2020
This well researched and well written book gives a succinct yet thorough view of the man who came to be known as Saint Nicholas. We learn of his birth and background, his life, and his death. The author discusses what qualities of generosity and helpfulness Nicholas possessed. The book also details the regard people had for Nicholas long after his death. Also included are the legends and myths that surround him, and the ways in which various countries and cultures adapted these legends. The author also explains how America’s Santa Claus was derived from these legends and popularized by poems, art, and advertising. It is amazing how much history and detail is contained in these few pages; it’s a fascinating account. Highly recommended for any history buff or Christmas aficionado.
December 29, 2022
This book offers a good overview of the life, legends, and legacy of Saint Nicholas. Though I was already familiar with the general story of his biography, Bennett summarized and highlighted well the important points of Saint Nicholas’ life, and I learned a lot about many legends of him that I’d never known. I also liked learning about the evolution of Saint Nicholas to Santa Claus, though it’s a bit... disappointing.
I thought Bennett’s conclusion at the end of the book seemed a bit cheesy and unnecessary: that we should have warm feelings when we think of the life of Saint Nicholas. Maybe people will, maybe they won’t.
I thought Bennett’s conclusion at the end of the book seemed a bit cheesy and unnecessary: that we should have warm feelings when we think of the life of Saint Nicholas. Maybe people will, maybe they won’t.
December 7, 2018
Delightful seasonal reading about the evolution of Bishop of Myra into Santa Claus. Readers begin by learning the known facts about the young Bishop's life and the legends that grew up around him citing numerous his good works and alleged miracles.
Though the development of the world mostly due to mariners, who considered Nicholas their patron saint, his reputation spread and began to combine with other legends such as stories of elves.
You will learn lots about the Eastern Orthodox Saint and the modern day Santa Claus reading this volume.
Though the development of the world mostly due to mariners, who considered Nicholas their patron saint, his reputation spread and began to combine with other legends such as stories of elves.
You will learn lots about the Eastern Orthodox Saint and the modern day Santa Claus reading this volume.
December 16, 2022
a short and engaging look at who Saint Nicholas was and how the stories and legends about him grew
2nd Read - read-aloud to my teenagers for a history lesson during December. It made for good conversations and learning interesting tidbits about the legends of Saint Nicholas and the invention of Santa Claus.
2nd Read - read-aloud to my teenagers for a history lesson during December. It made for good conversations and learning interesting tidbits about the legends of Saint Nicholas and the invention of Santa Claus.
December 22, 2021
The stories of Saint Nicholas and Santa Claus are arguably true in a more important way. They are morally true. They offer generosity, kindness, justice, and self-sacrifice over avarice, cruelty, injustice, and self-indulgence. They are about the celebration of human closeness and decency, and the caring for others. They are about families at the hearth. In their totality, they are about the raising of sights and efforts toward a better life.
Before the Reformation, saints were a huge part of the church and the legends around Saint Nicholas are legion. It was especially interesting to see how those legends morphed in different places around the world especially here in the U.S.
Read to my children at lunch in December
2021 A book about church history
Before the Reformation, saints were a huge part of the church and the legends around Saint Nicholas are legion. It was especially interesting to see how those legends morphed in different places around the world especially here in the U.S.
Read to my children at lunch in December
2021 A book about church history
December 12, 2019
A sweet little story about the origins of Santa Claus and his connection to Christmas.
December 10, 2025
Not bad, short, helpful, but also very speculative! Enjoyed learning more of the history though as the historical St. Nicholas is what we focus on with the girls at Christmastime.
January 31, 2019
Maybe it’s because I’ve had a couple reads that I could’ve done without lately, or maybe it was just reading something Christmasy during this season, but I really enjoyed this book. My kids started asking questions about Santa Claus, so I decided to do a little research on Santa Claus and Saint Nicholas and where all the traditions came from. This was a super easy read that I finished in just a few days, and it was interesting, well-researched, and organized in a way I could understand. Because Saint Nicholas lived such a long time ago and is associated with so many legends, the real history is somewhat lost. But the more recent history is very interesting, and William Bennett did a great job giving an overview and morphing of the history and legend and folk traditions of Saint Nicholas. I would recommend this book.
December 3, 2024
A quick read (114 short pages). I didn't love the uncertainty of early stories about St Nicholas--how there were seemingly mostly legends about who St Nicholas was and what he did or didn't do in life (and in response to prayer as a venerated saint). Since Nicholas lived around the third century, I guess it's understandable that much of his story is unverifiable, but I was hoping for more academic, verifiable stories. Maybe that's just me!
My favorite chapter came at the end, which was the more verifiable? description of how Santa Claus came to be in the US, through evolving Thomas Nast drawings in periodcals and Clement Moore's T'was the Night Before Christmas, and Coca-Cola commercials, etc.
My favorite chapter came at the end, which was the more verifiable? description of how Santa Claus came to be in the US, through evolving Thomas Nast drawings in periodcals and Clement Moore's T'was the Night Before Christmas, and Coca-Cola commercials, etc.
December 12, 2021
2.5 stars. Since Santa Claus plays a role in one of our holiest seasons, Bennett attempts to show how Saint Nicholas became the Santa Claus of today, and how both are symbols of God’s love. I enjoyed learning the story of how Nicholas answered the prayers of the needy through secret gifts. His story largely becomes speculative and varied, so its hard to pinpoint facts about his life. It was interesting to see how the legend spread and evolved through different countries. I like the idea of tapping into the spirit of Santa Claus, of giving anonymously to the needy, as opposed to the consumeristic figure that is pervasive in the US.
November 29, 2025
this was a delightful little book that gave a great history of Saint Nicholas and how he morphed into Santa Claus in the United States. it was just a 2-hour listen and will be added to my traditional Christmas listening. it would be a great listen for a car trip during the holidays.
March 26, 2024
This book is for anyone who loves all things Christmas.
December 7, 2024
“The history of Saint Nicholas and Santa Claus is a kind of miracle in itself. It is a legacy that resonates with God’s love”
This is a lovely little book. As the author points out, just because something is not factual does not mean it is untrue. Some of the legends about Saint Nicholas are surely wild exaggeration or even pure fabrication—but many contain a moral truth and speak to the lavish generosity of God’s love.
This is a lovely little book. As the author points out, just because something is not factual does not mean it is untrue. Some of the legends about Saint Nicholas are surely wild exaggeration or even pure fabrication—but many contain a moral truth and speak to the lavish generosity of God’s love.
December 17, 2025
Very interesting look at what is known about St. Nicholas and how that grew to Santa Claus of today!
December 6, 2018
From William Bennett comes The True Saint Nicholas: Why He Matters to Christmas, a fascinating look at the evolution of Saint Nicholas to Santa Claus. Bennett chronicles the life of Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, or at least what church tradition tells us about him, and how his reputation soon spread and made him one of the most popular and well-known saints in Christendom. He also recounts a number of apocryphal stories that were told about his wondrous works and how, after the Reformation, Saint Nicholas was transformed into a mythical figure in the local folklores of various regions of Europe and Asia Minor, and was finally made into the American icon Santa Claus. Yet Bennett refrains from any cynicism or condemnation, and instead frames Nicholas’ transition into legend within the context and traditions of the time, and points to the greater truth that lies within the myth. The True Saint Nicholas: Why He Matters to Christmas celebrates the tradition of Saint Nicholas and the good that he inspires.
December 19, 2021
My only complaint is this book omits the ties St. Nicholas had to sex workers.
December 5, 2009
I was really excited when I saw this book. Maybe 2 stars isn't fair, maybe my expectations were too much from Bennett. I read it in a couple of hours. It just didn't affect me much other than to say that it opened my eyes more to the saint worshipping of Catholics and I found that disturbing.
There's no doubt that Saint Nicholas was a wonderful man. This book does provide more background and history than many other accounts, albeit somewhat speculative. Still, he was made into a medieval superhero, and many of the legends just obviously cannot be true. Again, not to take away from the truly good man that he was.
There are a couple of passages that I really liked:
"In this age of modern science, it is difficult for us to comprehend the notion of miracles. We turn with confidence to physics, chemistry, neurology, and the like to explain the extraordinary. That was not true for ancient and medieval minds. The miraculous was easier to accept in the centruies before the Scienctific Revolution. In those times, the world was full of mystery and wonder. Miracles were rare but not out of place in people's comprehension of the universe.
"Does this mean that we moderns must regard old legends or miracles as necessarily false? No, on two counts.
"First, many old legends contain our best expressions of the human condition. They reveal the soul. Metaphors they may be, but they are metaphors that illuminate eternal truths.
"Second, even in this high-tech world, it takes a pretty small mind to declare that there is absolutely no such thing as an honest-to-goodness miracle. Many of us run into a miracle or two during our lives--something that defies all rational explanation. Who is to say that God does not move in mysterious ways? As Hamlet told his friend,'There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy.'"
And:
"Perhaps not literally true. But the stories of Saint Nicholas and Santa Claus are aguably true in a more important way. They are morally true. They offer generosity, kindness, justice, and self-sacrafice over avarice, cruelty, injustice, and self-indulgence. They are about the celebration of human closeness and decency, and the caring for others. They are about families at the hearth. In their totality, they are about the raising of sights and efforts toward a better life."
There's no doubt that Saint Nicholas was a wonderful man. This book does provide more background and history than many other accounts, albeit somewhat speculative. Still, he was made into a medieval superhero, and many of the legends just obviously cannot be true. Again, not to take away from the truly good man that he was.
There are a couple of passages that I really liked:
"In this age of modern science, it is difficult for us to comprehend the notion of miracles. We turn with confidence to physics, chemistry, neurology, and the like to explain the extraordinary. That was not true for ancient and medieval minds. The miraculous was easier to accept in the centruies before the Scienctific Revolution. In those times, the world was full of mystery and wonder. Miracles were rare but not out of place in people's comprehension of the universe.
"Does this mean that we moderns must regard old legends or miracles as necessarily false? No, on two counts.
"First, many old legends contain our best expressions of the human condition. They reveal the soul. Metaphors they may be, but they are metaphors that illuminate eternal truths.
"Second, even in this high-tech world, it takes a pretty small mind to declare that there is absolutely no such thing as an honest-to-goodness miracle. Many of us run into a miracle or two during our lives--something that defies all rational explanation. Who is to say that God does not move in mysterious ways? As Hamlet told his friend,'There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy.'"
And:
"Perhaps not literally true. But the stories of Saint Nicholas and Santa Claus are aguably true in a more important way. They are morally true. They offer generosity, kindness, justice, and self-sacrafice over avarice, cruelty, injustice, and self-indulgence. They are about the celebration of human closeness and decency, and the caring for others. They are about families at the hearth. In their totality, they are about the raising of sights and efforts toward a better life."
December 28, 2014
Saint Nicholas was a real person who lived during the fourth century. Many miracles were attributed to his name. Throughout the centuries his image has changed and he has been known by many names. Today we know Saint Nicholas as Santa Claus.
But it took a long time for Saint Nicholas to become the modern Santa Claus and this book is very informative on the life of the Saint Nicholas. The author explains we can't know every that story of Saint Nicholas life was true, but he included all the stories and legends about the generous man known as Saint Nicholas.
What I thought was most interesting was that Saint Nicholas was just as commercialized and popular as Santa Claus is today. I find there are a lot of people who have a negative view of Santa Claus because of the commercialization. So I think it is very interesting to learn there was just as much commercialization for Saint Nicholas. Apparently, for a very long time, Saint Nicholas was extremely popular and his name was used to sell things. Not much difference than our modern Santa Claus huh?
To me, Santa Claus is Saint Nicholas. It is Saint Nicholas just known by a different name and so I have never had a negative view of Santa Claus. He embodies the goodness of Saint Nicholas. And the author even says that just because something is commercialized doesn't make it bad. He says many good things are commercialized and that it is just human nature. Saint Nicholas was very commercialized during his centuries of popularity. Now Saint Nicholas as Santa Claus is what's popular and is commercialized as well. I definitely believe the author is right when he says it is human nature, and also, it doesn't mean that something is bad just because it is commercialized.
Besides the detailed history of Saint Nicholas, it explains how Saint Nicholas eventually became Santa Claus. And it is all very interesting. Parts of the Santa legend came from stories of Saint Nicholas from many different countries.
I thought this was a very good and informative book. I enjoyed it a lot and I'd recommend it to anyone who wishes to learn about Saint Nicholas.
But it took a long time for Saint Nicholas to become the modern Santa Claus and this book is very informative on the life of the Saint Nicholas. The author explains we can't know every that story of Saint Nicholas life was true, but he included all the stories and legends about the generous man known as Saint Nicholas.
What I thought was most interesting was that Saint Nicholas was just as commercialized and popular as Santa Claus is today. I find there are a lot of people who have a negative view of Santa Claus because of the commercialization. So I think it is very interesting to learn there was just as much commercialization for Saint Nicholas. Apparently, for a very long time, Saint Nicholas was extremely popular and his name was used to sell things. Not much difference than our modern Santa Claus huh?
To me, Santa Claus is Saint Nicholas. It is Saint Nicholas just known by a different name and so I have never had a negative view of Santa Claus. He embodies the goodness of Saint Nicholas. And the author even says that just because something is commercialized doesn't make it bad. He says many good things are commercialized and that it is just human nature. Saint Nicholas was very commercialized during his centuries of popularity. Now Saint Nicholas as Santa Claus is what's popular and is commercialized as well. I definitely believe the author is right when he says it is human nature, and also, it doesn't mean that something is bad just because it is commercialized.
Besides the detailed history of Saint Nicholas, it explains how Saint Nicholas eventually became Santa Claus. And it is all very interesting. Parts of the Santa legend came from stories of Saint Nicholas from many different countries.
I thought this was a very good and informative book. I enjoyed it a lot and I'd recommend it to anyone who wishes to learn about Saint Nicholas.
December 2, 2012
There are too many unknown facts, as Bill Bennett rightly asserts. Much of the historical data is purely speculative with the exception of a few references, poems and prayers in honor of Saint Nicholas. The Roman Catholic tradition has largely exorcised ol' St. Nicholas from the Church, while the Eastern Orthodox tradition continues to celebrate his life every December 6th.
Bennett provides a pleasant read filled with fantastical stories and a delightful context to the Bishop of Myra.
The records at the very least seem to concur with the general perception that the Saint Nicholas that existed in the days of Constantine (yes, he most likely slapped Arius!) was indeed filled with generosity and abounding in love for all sorts of people.
Bennett illustrates that Saint Nicholas, the Bishop, had become commercialized only a few centuries after his death. The entrepreneurial spirit was alive and well in those days. The life of Saint Nicholas was being used by manipulative men to sell and to attract business. This commercialization is no different than the Americanized Santa Claus (invented much later in the 20th century).
At the same time it is important to note that abuses are always prone to happen, and that simply doing away with the figure in order to avoid the tough questions is no way to handle the matter. Rather, there is a legitimate way to use the history of Saint Nicholas, and its subsequent re-adaptation-- with all its colors and jolly-ness in the North Pole Santa Claus-- to draw us and our children's attention to those rare gifts and virtues of the Christian faith.
Bill Bennett connects the modern Santa Claus with the faithful Bishop who suffered and lived for the sake of His Lord. The connection, though foggy at times, is still sufficiently clear to remind us of that ancient giver of gifts and rejoice in his life.
Bennett provides a pleasant read filled with fantastical stories and a delightful context to the Bishop of Myra.
The records at the very least seem to concur with the general perception that the Saint Nicholas that existed in the days of Constantine (yes, he most likely slapped Arius!) was indeed filled with generosity and abounding in love for all sorts of people.
Bennett illustrates that Saint Nicholas, the Bishop, had become commercialized only a few centuries after his death. The entrepreneurial spirit was alive and well in those days. The life of Saint Nicholas was being used by manipulative men to sell and to attract business. This commercialization is no different than the Americanized Santa Claus (invented much later in the 20th century).
At the same time it is important to note that abuses are always prone to happen, and that simply doing away with the figure in order to avoid the tough questions is no way to handle the matter. Rather, there is a legitimate way to use the history of Saint Nicholas, and its subsequent re-adaptation-- with all its colors and jolly-ness in the North Pole Santa Claus-- to draw us and our children's attention to those rare gifts and virtues of the Christian faith.
Bill Bennett connects the modern Santa Claus with the faithful Bishop who suffered and lived for the sake of His Lord. The connection, though foggy at times, is still sufficiently clear to remind us of that ancient giver of gifts and rejoice in his life.
December 26, 2018
A very enjoyable little book that can be read in one sitting. Bennett seeks to remind us of the true meaning of Christmas through what has become a secular icon of the season: Santa Claus. Part One is a bio of St. Nicholas cobbled together from stories told about him (little is known of him for sure). The author does a nice job of weaving a short story together. Part Two is "Legends of Nicholas" consisting of more fantastic tales or miracles, some, if not all, embellished over time. Finally, the last section deals with the holy man's legacy. This is the most fascinating section of the book. It goes down the long and winding road, spanning the globe and ending in the USA, of how St. Nicholas ultimately became Santa Claus. I learned much here.
Adding meat to the bones of the legend of St. Nick does much to bolster the reason for the season by reestablishing his saintliness attained only through the grace of the one we honor on December 25th.
Adding meat to the bones of the legend of St. Nick does much to bolster the reason for the season by reestablishing his saintliness attained only through the grace of the one we honor on December 25th.
December 7, 2018
We listened to this book on audible and learned quite a bit about the Nicholas of Myra. I enjoyed learning about how his life story slowly evolved into legends throughout Europe. When we got to the part about America, one of my children spoke up and said, "Mom, Santa Clause is like a mix of all of the best parts of the other St. Nicholas stories...kind of like America. We are a melting pot of the many stories from other lands." I thought that was a cool connection.
William Bennet, the author, read the book. Although is voice has a nice tone, we had to fight not to 'zone' him out and ended up repeating parts of the book because there were points where we all stopped listening. A little bit of emotion or slightly faster reading would have helped.
It was just a little over 2 hours long. We listened to 30 minutes a day in the days leading up to St. Nicholas day.
William Bennet, the author, read the book. Although is voice has a nice tone, we had to fight not to 'zone' him out and ended up repeating parts of the book because there were points where we all stopped listening. A little bit of emotion or slightly faster reading would have helped.
It was just a little over 2 hours long. We listened to 30 minutes a day in the days leading up to St. Nicholas day.
December 27, 2014
It was interesting to hear the history and traditions surrounding good ol' St Nick and it is something how many legends formed around this man during the medieval period. The last half of the book concerned the many traditions of gift givers throughout Europe, the raucous winter solstice and the reaction against the saints by the Protestants. Later on how a Poem, a Cartoon artist and Coca-Cola Advertizements played a role in American traditions and also about the melding of Father Christmas, Kris Kringle, St. Nicholas and Santa Clause in the US. All of this was rather complex, and thus a bit hard to follow and Bennett quickly covered it.
January 6, 2012
This was a quick interesting read expounding on some of the myths and legends of Saint Nicholas and how he evolved into the American Santa Claus. One new thing I learned was that the German Christkindel (Christ child) who delivers gifts on Christmas was Americanized to Kriss Kringel with immigrants and then eventually merged together with Santa as well. The history and morphing of Santa is just interesting to me. Good read.
December 26, 2024
Fantastic read for all ages (so long as they already know Santa isn’t real 😉)!! Brief biography of Saint Nicholas and a quick survey of various Santa-type traditions from across cultures and around the world. The book closes as it should, with a sweet reminder of the Greatest Gift ever given: Jesus. Hoping to read the book aloud with the family once the littles have “outgrown” Santa. Highly recommend!
December 8, 2023
THE POPULAR AUTHOR TELLS THE STORY OF NICHOLAS, AND HIS EVOLUTION INTO ‘SANTA’
Author William Bennett wrote in the Introduction to this 2009 book, “When most of us hear the name ‘Saint Nicholas,’ we immediately think of Santa Claus… we may have asked an older and wiser acquaintance why Satna sometimes goes by this alias… If pressed, we might guess that there was once a very good man named Nicholas, and his name somehow came to be connected with Santa Claus. But Saint Nicholas remains an elusive figure to us. He is elusive even to scholars who study such matters. They believe that Saint Nicholas served as a bishop during the fourth century in the town of Myra… But the details of his life and work remain sketchy… We are left to piece together his life as best we can, using what we know and a good bit of surmise to arrive at the most likely story. Often we must rely on tradition…Why bother with the history of Saint Nicholas? For one thing, his is a fascinating story… But there is a larger reason to remember Saint Nicholas: He matters to Christmas. This saintly man … has come to influence one of our holiest seasons and most beloved holidays. This influence … is a kind of miracle. It is evidence of God’s love. One purpose of this book is to help put Saint Nicholas back into Christmas. It explains his connection to Santa Claus, and the common spirit they share… So here is the story of Nicholas, based on what we can reasonably conjecture.” (Pg. 1-3)
He explains, “Nicholas’s life was nothing short of heroic. In the years following his death, people began to tell stories about the Bishop of Myra and his power to change people’s hearts. Looking back, they realized that his life and all the good he did was a kind of miracle. So the stories they told reflected the miraculous. They told of a man of such deep faith and courage, he could accomplish things no ordinary person could. As time went on, the storytellers embroidered the tales with their imaginations. They told of miracle after miracle.” (Pg. 45-46)
He continues, “Year by year, Nicholas’s fame increased. People told each other about all the good he had done while he was alive, as well as the miracles his spirit performed after death. As time passed, they began to honor the bishop with a new name: Saint Nicholas.” (Pg. 55)
He notes, “The reputation of the saint traveled… The Vikings dedicated a cathedral to him in Greenland… Christopher Columbus … gave the name of St. Nicholas Mole to a port he found … He also bestowed Nicholas’s name on a nearby cape and on a channel off the northwestern coast of Cuba. Spaniards… named a settlement St. Nicholas Ferry in the area that is now Jacksonville, Florida.” (Pg. 66)
He reports, “The earliest surviving Life of Nicholas, dating from the eighth or ninth century, was set down in Constantinople by a scribe known as Michael the Archimandrite. Many others followed. Clergymen often read from a Life of Nicholas to congregations on his feast day, December 6.” (Pg. 68)
In the late Middle Ages, “The theologian Thomas Aquinas, in his thirteenth-century ‘Summa Theologica,’ extolled Nicholas’s gift-giving as an example of kindness made all the greater because it was offered in secret. The poet Dante, in his fourteenth century ‘Purgatorio,’ evoked ‘the liberality of Nicholas to the maidens’ as a model of giving.” (Pg. 82-83)
He observes, “We come now to Clement Clarke Moore and his poem … ‘A Visit from Saint Nicholas.’ … The verse made its way to the ‘Troy Sentinel’ in upstate New York, which published it a year later, on December 23, 1823. The editor of the Sentinel… admitted that ‘We do not know to whom we are indebted for the following description of that … patron of children.’ For many years, newspapers and magazines reprinted [it] as an anonymous work. It is said that Clement Moore, learned professor that he was, did not want to be identified as the author of such a trifle. He did not publish it under his own name until 1844. By that time, it had become a national favorite.” (Pg. 99-100)
He states, “It fell to Thomas Nast, the German-American political cartoonist… to help Americans settle on a visual image of Santa… With time, Nast’s Santa Claus became a rotund, jolly old elf dressed in a red fur-trimmed jacket with a broad belt, boots, and a cap---a Santa that fit the spirit of Clement Moore’s poem…During the period Nast was at work, Americans were fascinated with the idea of reaching the North Pole… Nast decided the North Pole would make a good home for Santa. His pen produced drawings of Santa’s workshop full of toys, Santa’s list of good and bad children, and Santa’s stacks of letters from youngsters all over the globe.” (Pg. 103-104)
He concludes, “Perhaps not literally true. But the stories of Saint Nicholas and Santa Claus are arguably true in a more important way. They are morally true. They offer generosity, kindness, justice, and self-sacrifice over avarice, cruelty, injustice, and self-indulgence. They are about the celebration of human closeness and decency, and the caring for others. They are about families at the hearth. In their totality, they are about the raising of sights and efforts toward a better life.” (Pg. 113)
This book will be of keen interest to those wanting to know more about the history and background of Nicholas/Santa.
Author William Bennett wrote in the Introduction to this 2009 book, “When most of us hear the name ‘Saint Nicholas,’ we immediately think of Santa Claus… we may have asked an older and wiser acquaintance why Satna sometimes goes by this alias… If pressed, we might guess that there was once a very good man named Nicholas, and his name somehow came to be connected with Santa Claus. But Saint Nicholas remains an elusive figure to us. He is elusive even to scholars who study such matters. They believe that Saint Nicholas served as a bishop during the fourth century in the town of Myra… But the details of his life and work remain sketchy… We are left to piece together his life as best we can, using what we know and a good bit of surmise to arrive at the most likely story. Often we must rely on tradition…Why bother with the history of Saint Nicholas? For one thing, his is a fascinating story… But there is a larger reason to remember Saint Nicholas: He matters to Christmas. This saintly man … has come to influence one of our holiest seasons and most beloved holidays. This influence … is a kind of miracle. It is evidence of God’s love. One purpose of this book is to help put Saint Nicholas back into Christmas. It explains his connection to Santa Claus, and the common spirit they share… So here is the story of Nicholas, based on what we can reasonably conjecture.” (Pg. 1-3)
He explains, “Nicholas’s life was nothing short of heroic. In the years following his death, people began to tell stories about the Bishop of Myra and his power to change people’s hearts. Looking back, they realized that his life and all the good he did was a kind of miracle. So the stories they told reflected the miraculous. They told of a man of such deep faith and courage, he could accomplish things no ordinary person could. As time went on, the storytellers embroidered the tales with their imaginations. They told of miracle after miracle.” (Pg. 45-46)
He continues, “Year by year, Nicholas’s fame increased. People told each other about all the good he had done while he was alive, as well as the miracles his spirit performed after death. As time passed, they began to honor the bishop with a new name: Saint Nicholas.” (Pg. 55)
He notes, “The reputation of the saint traveled… The Vikings dedicated a cathedral to him in Greenland… Christopher Columbus … gave the name of St. Nicholas Mole to a port he found … He also bestowed Nicholas’s name on a nearby cape and on a channel off the northwestern coast of Cuba. Spaniards… named a settlement St. Nicholas Ferry in the area that is now Jacksonville, Florida.” (Pg. 66)
He reports, “The earliest surviving Life of Nicholas, dating from the eighth or ninth century, was set down in Constantinople by a scribe known as Michael the Archimandrite. Many others followed. Clergymen often read from a Life of Nicholas to congregations on his feast day, December 6.” (Pg. 68)
In the late Middle Ages, “The theologian Thomas Aquinas, in his thirteenth-century ‘Summa Theologica,’ extolled Nicholas’s gift-giving as an example of kindness made all the greater because it was offered in secret. The poet Dante, in his fourteenth century ‘Purgatorio,’ evoked ‘the liberality of Nicholas to the maidens’ as a model of giving.” (Pg. 82-83)
He observes, “We come now to Clement Clarke Moore and his poem … ‘A Visit from Saint Nicholas.’ … The verse made its way to the ‘Troy Sentinel’ in upstate New York, which published it a year later, on December 23, 1823. The editor of the Sentinel… admitted that ‘We do not know to whom we are indebted for the following description of that … patron of children.’ For many years, newspapers and magazines reprinted [it] as an anonymous work. It is said that Clement Moore, learned professor that he was, did not want to be identified as the author of such a trifle. He did not publish it under his own name until 1844. By that time, it had become a national favorite.” (Pg. 99-100)
He states, “It fell to Thomas Nast, the German-American political cartoonist… to help Americans settle on a visual image of Santa… With time, Nast’s Santa Claus became a rotund, jolly old elf dressed in a red fur-trimmed jacket with a broad belt, boots, and a cap---a Santa that fit the spirit of Clement Moore’s poem…During the period Nast was at work, Americans were fascinated with the idea of reaching the North Pole… Nast decided the North Pole would make a good home for Santa. His pen produced drawings of Santa’s workshop full of toys, Santa’s list of good and bad children, and Santa’s stacks of letters from youngsters all over the globe.” (Pg. 103-104)
He concludes, “Perhaps not literally true. But the stories of Saint Nicholas and Santa Claus are arguably true in a more important way. They are morally true. They offer generosity, kindness, justice, and self-sacrifice over avarice, cruelty, injustice, and self-indulgence. They are about the celebration of human closeness and decency, and the caring for others. They are about families at the hearth. In their totality, they are about the raising of sights and efforts toward a better life.” (Pg. 113)
This book will be of keen interest to those wanting to know more about the history and background of Nicholas/Santa.
December 17, 2018
A short but insightful read about the history of Saint Nicholas and the customs that surround him. Bennett did a wonderful job bringing Saint Nicholas to life.
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