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Christmas Traditions: Santa Claus
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Santa Claus, that jolly, rotund bringer of presents, is a controversial Christmas tradition for mothers and fathers. Though he is clearly a character from folklore, many parents go through great lengths to keep alive their child’s belief in Santa Claus. Instead of taking credit for the expense and effort of producing gifts for their children, parents lead children to believe that their toys are a result of a Christmas Eve visit from Santa. The character of Santa Claus, as he is depicted today, is derived from two very old legends: Saint Nicholas, a bishop who gave generous gifts to the poor and was considered to be the patron saint of sailors and children and Father Christmas, who was considered to be the spirit of good cheer.
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The history of the Santa Claus tradition first emerged when the Dutch settlers came to Manhattan, U.S.A on the day of Christmas in 1624. Thomas Nast is credited for creating of Santa Claus picture in 1862, which first appeared in Harper's Weekly magazine. Though with the passage of time the picture of Santa Claus has evolved as a round-bellied old man bespectacled and dressed in a red coat trimmed with white fur and carrying a bag of gifts while riding on a sleigh pulled by reindeers.
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