Christmas is coming and so millions of children will ask their parents this question: Is Santa real? It’s time we had a solid answer to the question. 

Santa is real, just not in the way the world has distorted him.

The modern-day Santa that inhabits shopping malls is a distorted version of the life and example of Saint Nicholas. Nicholas was born to a wealthy family in the third century. When his parents died, he distributed their wealth to the poor, became a priest, and became legendary for his profound generosity and care for people.

Stories spread far and wide about his generosity. The most famous incident from his life is the night he dropped a small sack of gold coins through the window into the house of a family in desperate need. This provided dowries for three daughters who would have otherwise almost certainly ended up being slaves or prostitutes.

By that time Nicholas had become a bishop, and the father woke when he heard the sack being dropped through the window. Looking outside, he caught a glimpse of the red and gold robes of the Nicholas who had hoped to remain anonymous.

The father told everyone he knew about Nicholas’ generosity, and the beauty of anonymous giving was unleashed in the world. People everywhere began giving anonymously and the spirit and legend of Saint Nicholas grew…and has continued to grow century after century…and lives on today!

Nicholas is perhaps the inventor of anonymous giving. 1700 years after his death, his spirit lives on as a confounding reminder of the obligation we have to those who live in suffering on the brink of despair.

Is Santa real? Santa is most real not when we spoil our children with gifts, but when we teach them the spirit of Nicholas by giving generosity to those most in need, bringing them a comfort and joy that we so often take for granted.

So, this Christmas season, go out of your way to be the difference that makes all the difference for someone, somewhere. And together, let’s bring a little hope, comfort,, and joy to those who need it more than we may ever need anything.

The generosity of God is staggering. May it live in you and me, more and more with every passing day.



Feast Day: December 6

Feast Day Shared By: Saint Asella

Patron Saint of: Children, Bakers, Brides, Unmarried Women, Grooms, Sailors, and Travelers

Symbols: Three Bags of Gold Coins

Also Known As: The Real Santa Claus, or Nicholas the Wonderworker