Is there such a thing as Santa Claus?

The person we call Santa Claus is based on a real person, Saint Nicholas, hence his nickname "old Saint Nick." However, the saint, who lived around 300 AD, had no magical powers, or elf helpers, or flying reindeer, and he did not live at the North Pole. These are mostly fictional representations, but the basic premise of Santa Claus is as the spirit of Christmas. He embodies the ideals of brotherhood, charity, selflessness, and goodwill to others. This is a greater purpose than merely getting children to behave all year in the hope of a Christmas reward.

Long ago, a young girl wrote a letter to a newspaper office, wanting to know if Santa was real. A newspaper editor, a man of some wisdom and insight, concluded that there is a Santa Claus, for anyone who believes in him. Although it is unlikely that any of us will ever meet him face-to-face as he is coming down the chimney.

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