Created by Elizabeth, Youth Services Librarian
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Introduction
Wanting to learn about Santa? Where he came from? Is alter egos? This guide will provide you with the resources to learn about and discover more about hims.
Selection Criteria
The following criteria was considered when selecting resources for this LibGuide:
- Resources are accessible from home or available through the library.
- Resource provide accurate and relevant.
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St. Nicholas is the Patron saint of children, and sailors. Saint Nicholas was born near modern day Myra, Turkey. He was known for helping the poor and sick of his community. Overtime Saint Nicholas of Myra became the Christmas icon that we know today as Santa Claus.
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Santa Claus and His Epitaphs:
Saint Nicholas: Life and Legend by Martin Ebon
Santa Claus: Real Origins & Legend
The History of Father Christmas
The Origin of the Christkind
Santa Claus’s Grave
Links to Other Santa-Like Figures
The Legend of La Belfana
Spain’s Most Beloved Christmas Tradition
The Origin of Krampus, Europe’s Evil Twist on Santa
Who is Tomte?
Move Over, Krampus: France’s Père Fouettard is St. Nick’s Sidekick and a Brutal
Murderer
Other Creatures
Encyclopedia Britannica Article on Reindeer
What Do Elves Have To Do With Christmas?
From St. Nick to Santa Clause
- St. Nicholas becomes a favorite saint across Europe
- During the protestant reformation, the veneration of saints is discouraged. St. Nicholas remains a favorite in Holland
- The Dutch adapt his name into Sinterklaas.
- When the Dutch settle in New Amsterdam (later called New York) in the 17th century, they take the idea of Sinterklaas with them.
- Sinterklaas becomes anglicized into Santa Klaus
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Keep up with Santa Claus Christmas Eve using the Santa Tracker
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Additional Reads
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
Rudolph the Red-Nose Reindeer by Robert May
The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore
The Tomten by Astrid Lindgren