The Life and Times of Santa

The Original Santa or St. Nicholas

Nicholas was born in Parta, Lycia (Turkey) around 280 AD. His parents died from the plague while he was a very young boy. Inheriting a substantial fortune from his parents, Nicholas went to live with an uncle, a monk at the monastery. While living at the monastery and under his uncle's religious teachings, Nicholas decided that he also become a monk and follow his uncle's footsteps. Monks were considered to be poor, and so keeping with the tradition of poverty; Nicholas secretly gave away his entire inheritance as he traveled the countryside aiding the sick and poor. He had dreamed Jesus gave him a Book of Gospels, encrusted with jewels and a robe fit for a priest. He revealed the dream to his uncle, hoping to find its meaning. His uncle's conclusion was Jesus wanted him to become a priest. He studied, and became a priest during his teenage years. His reputation grew and he was noted as the kind boy priest. Later, Nicholas boarded a ship having intentions of visiting the Holy Lands mentioned in the Bible. He toured Egypt, Alexandria, Palestine and Jerusalem and witnessed the devastation of the Romans, who hated Christianity. While there, he urged other Christians to help the poor, the needy, and the sick.