Alex Murashko Alex Murashko

The Historic Reality of Santa Claus and Christmas

By Alex Murashko

Before we throw out Santa Claus with the bath water let’s not get all haughty over our interpretation of how to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. There are two factors at play when discussing the reality of this celebration marked on everyone’s calendar:

1. The man-made holiday

2. The birth of God’s Son, Jesus

Is Santa Claus Real?

Go ahead, tell the truth to your children! First, Google “Is there a Santa Claus?” Better yet, read what historian extraordinaire William Federer has to say about the history of Santa Claus.

Federer prefaces his comments on Santa as reported by the Christian Broadcast Network (CBN) by stating, “To enter into the Christmas spirit, it is necessary to remember the Christmas story of the birth of Christ.”

He then states, “One should also remember that there really was a Santa Claus, the godly St. Nicholas, who was willing to be imprisoned for his Christian faith under Emperor Diocletian, who preached against pagan immorality of Diana worship, who stood for the Bible and doctrinal purity at the Council of Nicaea, and who generously and anonymously helped the poor so that the glory would go to God.”

By the way, ABC News recently had the chance to go beyond the typical “psychological” babble about whether parents should tell the truth about Santa Claus but did not. The media organization missed an opportunity to make the St. Nicholas connection. Instead. ABC reported: 

An American creation amalgamated from a variety of European cultures and immigrant communities, Santa Claus emerged in the 19th century and was firmly entrenched in American culture by the early part of the 20th century.

He's unique among made-up characters like the Tooth Fairy and the Easter Bunny because a whole story, a world, has been developed around him over the decades, says Thomas Ruys Smith, professor of American literature and culture at the University of East Anglia in the United Kingdom.

FACT CHECK: Incorrect. The spirit of Christmas and Santa goes beyond an “American creation.” See William Federer’s account, history of Santa Claus, continued:

“As a child, St. Nicholas was known for his virtue, his avoidance of worldly pursuits, and his study of Scripture. He went into ministry and trained under his uncle. After assuming his uncle’s congregation, his parents died and left him a substantial inheritance. He generously distributed to the poor and needy and ransomed those taken captive by debt. One such ransom became the basis for Santa Claus.” 

One more add from Federer’s St. Nicholas/Santa Claus comments:

“Throughout Nicholas’ life, he worked hard to be a godly example in word and deed, spirit, faith and purity. He died on December 6th, 343 AD. Stories of his life spread through Turkey and Greece and throughout the Roman Empire. Secret gift giving on the anniversary of his death became a popular tradition.”

Go to William Federer: The History of Christmas Traditions at CBN for the origins of other Christmas traditions. You are not going to find a more historically accurate account.

Entrance of God into Human History

For the question, “What is the deeper meaning of Christmas?” I’m “calling” my “lifeline” Billy Graham. His answer is found in a recent Q&A at the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) website. 

The Q&A:

Q. I am trying to teach my children about the true meaning of Christmas and it’s hard to do when the holiday has been turned into a commercial event about all the wrong things. Shouldn’t it be more about the infant Jesus and the sweet story of that first Christmas night?

A. From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham:

In the midst of all upheaval, crisis, difficulty, problems, and fear comes the true message of Christmas with all of its hope, goodwill, and cheer. The message of Christmas has been terribly misapplied and misunderstood for many years. Some think of business profits, shopping, gifts, tinsel, toys, and celebration. Others think only of Bethlehem, of the star in the sky, shepherds in the field, and angels singing. Still others cynically ask, “Where is this Prince of Peace in a world filled with so much trouble?”

The real Christmas message goes far deeper. It heralds the entrance of God into human history. It is Heaven descending to Earth. It is as though a trumpeter had taken his stand upon the turrets of time and announced to a despairing, hopeless, and frustrated world the coming of the Prince of Peace. It answers all the great questions that plague the human race at this hour. The Christmas message is relevant, revolutionary, and reassuring to us today. I believe it can be summed up in three words: a cradle, a cross, and a crown.

On that first Christmas night, the Bible tells us about the angel coming to those fearful shepherds and saying, “Fear not, I bring you good news” (Luke 2). This is the true meaning of Christmas—the Good News—that God sent His only Son to Earth to save people from their sins. Christmas is not a myth, not a tradition, not a dream—it is a glorious reality.

(BGEA: This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)

How should we celebrate not only this season but every day while we are here on earth? I suggest we follow His Word such as found in Matthew 22:36-40…

“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Simply put: Love God, love others.

Alex Murashko is a journalist and writing team leader for Think Eternity, a site for powerful faith content to help you live the fulfilled life in Jesus.

He is also founder of Media on Mission. Connect on X: @AlexMurashko.

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