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Santa Claus Has Origins In America Hear them? They're sleigh- bells -- and we all know what that - means! Santa's here, and with him arrives one of the oldest, happiest, and best loved traditions of the Christmas season. Today, of course, it just wouldn't be Christmas with- out Santa Claus, but it is interesting to ponder just w Where the jolly old gent got his start, and it might be sur- prising to learn that it was- n't really the North Pole. The name Santa Claus, it- self, is an American deriva- tion of the name St. Nicho- las, an early fourth century % bishop in Asia Minor, accord- ing to the editors of the En- cyclopedia International. Santa was first brought to this country by the early Dutch settlers, who called him Sinterklaas. These Dutch burghers portrayed him as a ¢ merry old man, sometimes even with a wife they called Molly Grietje. : Santa also looked a little different then, and he wore a wide-brimmed black hat, short Dutch breeches, and « Smoked a long clay pipe. Later, the British brought their own Father Christmas to America -- a happy, roly- poly Falstaffian figure. Inevitably, Sinterklaas and Father Christmas became one. Add to this the Norwe-~ gian's Kriss Kringle, with his & sleigh and reindeer, and the picture is nearly complete. It was finally the task of American artists and writers to create an image of Santa Claus such as we know today. Washington Irving, among others, contributed to the concept of Santa as a jolly Jholiday figure, while Clement Moore, in his famous "Visit Legends Honor St. Nicholas -He's the patron saint of pawnbrokers. He watches over mariners. Since the fourth century, he has been remembered for his generosity. i Many of the legends % | linked with St. Nicholas, real-life ancestor of to- day's Santa Claus. But his most enduring connection is with youth and gifts. In Europe, his feast day, December 6th, - | has traditionally heen an n | occasion for merriment and gifting. . os jolly Santa wends his way, bringing % A gifts for you, we'd like to - add our appreciation. Happy holidays. BRIAN'S *| SUPERTEST Ld alia from St. Nicholas" ("Twas the Night Before Christ- mas"), added to the concept. However, the notion of Santa Claus which really captured the imagination of young and old alike was drawn by the American car- toonist Thomas Nast in 1863. Yes, that's Santa all right, with his .fur-trimmed suit, shiny black boots and long white beard. Just the way we've always known him -- or so it seems, In Japan December 25 is not a na- tional holiday in Japan, but you'd never know it from the colorful store decorations and ) the happy squeals of young- sters gifted by "Santa Claus San." Department stores may have as many as 100 Santas, PORT PERRY STAR -- CHRISTMAS EDITION - 9 FP At A J Per ALE NIA RTD SS EAN (Phe Hanging of the (rane O fortunate, O happy day! When a new household finds its place Among the myriad homes of earth, Like a new star just sprung to birth And rolled on its harmonius way Into the boundless realms of space! So said the guests in speech and song, As in the chimney burning bright, We hung the iron crane to-night, And merry was the feast and long. oy Ran Sealy o WP EARLY CHRISTMAS GREETINGS WERE somctimes devoted to themes other than the Yule season -- witness this excerpt from an antique card, showing a portrait of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and lines from his poem, "The Hanging of the Crane." Longfellow's "The Yillage Blacksmith" appeared on the same card. The card is from the Hallmark Historical Collection. L-shand LY 77 -- EETINGS Have a most delightful holiday season . . . and sincerest thanks for your loyal patronage. HI! MERRY CHRISTMAS Here comes Santa to brighten your holiday. Merry Christmas! And thanks for your patronage. Oy Saga Slaters Service Station || CAWKER BROTHE RIL The sounds of Santa's sleigh- bells fill the air with music, and every home is kindled with the warmth of good cheer. May you and your family enjoy : -- all the blessings of this happy holiday season. Heartfelt thanks for your trust and support. We greatly enjoy the privilege of serving you. Sud, giv i FLAMINGO PASTRIES LTD