The History of Santa Claus

The Traditions & Origins of Santa as Practiced Around the World

By: Tammy Hammond

Narrated by: Simon Jackson

IS THERE A REAL SANTA CLAUS?
Millions of children ask their parents this question every December, and the answer is “YES”!

He was born in Asia Minor on March 15, 270 A.D. and gave presents to children when not distributing food and clothing to the needy. But doesn’t Santa live at the North Pole? What does a philanthropist born in what is modern-day Turkey have to do with a jolly man wearing a red suit?

In The History of Santa Claus, you’ll learn the answer to these questions and many more. Why is Santa called by so many names in Europe, where he is assisted by scary-looking figures named Krampus, Black Pete, and Belsnickel? How did Santa help eradicate pagan festivals celebrating the winter solstice? How did he escape the repressive communist regimes in Russia and China? And how did a poet named Clement Moore and the Coca-Cola Bottling Company save Santa Claus from an untimely death in the age of skepticism known as the twentieth century?

The History of Santa Claus is a book that you will want to listen to again and again before passing it on to your children so that they’ll know the true identity of Saint Nicholas and what he has really been up to for so many centuries. You and your family will learn how Santa Claus has been influenced by dozens of diverse cultural influences in as many countries while nevertheless being embraced as the kindly figure named Saint Nick.

Most of all, you and your children will learn why Santa is alive even today in the hearts of people who still look out the window for reindeer on Christmas Eve because they know the real story of Santa Claus.

—— About the Author ——
Tammy Hammond lives in Great Bend, Kansas, and is the founder and owner of Rosewood Services, Inc., a business devoted to serving individuals with developmental disabilities. Rosewood creates employment opportunities for them through its horse ranch, winery, greenhouse, art studio, and kitchen.

Tammy was inspired to create Santas Around the World, part of Rosewood’s Roots and Wings Foundation, because of local artist Loretta Miller’s beautiful collection of life-sized Santa sculptures. When the collection was neglected and spread across the Great Bend community, Tammy decided to give them a permanent home in a new building that is a year-round Christmas museum.

Tammy is the author of four books that discuss Christmas traditions, recipes, cocktails, The history of Santa Claus, and Santas Around the World. All are available at the Christmas museum at 1223 Main Street in Great Bend.

©2023 Tammy Hammond (P)2024 Tammy Hammond