The Saint Nicholas Project
Saint Nicholas vs Santa Claus
The name Santa Claus brings a smile to children of all ages. Santa is Jolly, and fills our stockings with all kinds of treats, and places under the tree toys and gifts for all. Is that bad? Maybe, maybe not. How does Saint Nicholas differ from our 21st Century Santa Claus?
Santa
Claus belongs to childhood;
St. Nicholas models for all of life.
Santa
Claus, as we know him, developed to boost Christmas sales—the commercial
Christmas message;
St. Nicholas told the story of Christ and peace, goodwill toward all—the
hope-filled Christmas message.
Santa
Claus encourages consumption;
St. Nicholas encourages compassion.
Santa
Claus appears each year to be seen and heard for a short time;
St. Nicholas is part of the communion of saints, surrounding us always with
prayer and example.
Santa
Claus flies through the air—from the North Pole;
St. Nicholas walked the earth—caring for those in need.
Santa
Claus, for some, replaces the Babe of Bethlehem;
St. Nicholas, for all, points to the Babe of Bethlehem.
Santa Claus isn't bad;
St. Nicholas is just better.
—J. Rosenthal & C. Myers