History DetectivesChristmas through the ages“Will the real St Nick please stand up?”

Activity 1

You have three minutes to draw and label a picture of St Nicholas in your books

What have our drawings got in common?

The following slides will explain some of the many interpretations of St Nicholas

St Nicholas – the saint

Nicholas, was born during the third century in the village of Patara (now Turkey). His parents died and he used his money to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. He dedicated his life to serving God and was made Bishop of Myra.

Nicholas became known throughout the land for his generosity to the those in need, his love for children, and his concern for sailors and ships.

Bishop Nicholas suffered for his faith and was exiled and imprisoned by the Roman Emperor Diocletian. Nicholas was freed and later died December 6, AD 343. The anniversary of his death became a day of celebration.

What reasons might Christians have to remember St Nicholas?

St Nicholas – aka Father Christmas

Father Christmas dates to 17th century in Britain, portraying him as a jolly well-nourished bearded man dressed in a long, green, fur-lined robe. He demonstrated the spirit of good cheer at Christmas.

How is this different from what we celebrate in Britain today?

St Nicholas – aka Santa Claus

The modern figure can be traced to the Dutch figure of Sinterklaas.

The common image of Santa Claus image became popular in America and Canada in the 19th century. 

According to a tradition traced to the 1820s, Santa Claus lives at the North Pole, with a large number of magical elves, and nine flying reindeer.

Since the 20th century, in an idea popularized by the 1934 song "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town", Santa Claus has been believed to make a list of children throughout the world, categorizing them according to their behaviour and to deliver presents, to all of the good boys and girls in the world, and sometimes coal to the naughty children, on the single night of Christmas Eve.

Does any of this information surprise you?

Activity 2

Create a rap, song, or poem to describe who was the real St Nicholas

Be ready to perform your interpretation to the class

Feedback

Think about your presentation:‘what went well’ and ‘even better if’

On a post it write down the differences between the St Nicholas you drew earlier and the one in your presentation