The History Behind Santa Claus

by | Dec 21, 2022 | Holidays

Santa Claus walking through a snow storm with a lantern during Christmas

Christmas is one of the most exciting, magical times of the year. With twinkling lights and festive decorations, it’s a time that brings joy to all! At its heart lies a fascinating tale about a jolly old elf named Santa Claus.

But do you know how this beloved Christmas character came to be? Let’s take a deep holiday dive into the history behind Santa Claus and how it came to be that he brings Christmas presents to all the kids.

The Story of St. Nick

Santa’s story is one of the oldest tales around! For centuries, Santa Claus has been an icon of joy and giving. His roots can be traced back hundreds of years to a monk named St. Nicholas, renowned for traveling and spreading his generosity toward the less fortunate! 

It is believed that Nicholas was born sometime around A.D. 280 in Patara, near Myra, in modern-day Turkey. He later became a bishop. One popular legend holds that he saved three poor sisters from a grim fate by providing them with dowries so they could get married instead of being sold into servitude – proving just how powerful kindness and goodwill can be!

Old drawn image of st. nick holding a bunch of toys

How St. Nick Became Santa Claus

For centuries, Nicholas has been cherished as a symbol of protection and luck for children and sailors. On December 6th – the anniversary of his death – his feast day is celebrated around Europe, with people using it to make big life-changing purchases or take on new commitments such as marriage.

In the early 1770s, St. Nicholas began to make his appearance in American pop culture. The Dutch name St. Nick had even evolved to Sinter Klaas, a shortened form of Sint Nikolaas (Dutch for Saint Nicholas). From that moment on, the story of St. Nick and his generosity turned into the story of a man that delivers gifts to people all around the world known as Santa Claus.

How Did Santa Claus Become so Well-Known

Santa Claus getting a Christmas gift list from a child

By the early 19th century, stores and newspapers out of New York advertising Christmas shopping in the United States began featuring Santa Claus. By the 1840s, Santa Claus had become so well known that people would travel around the world to New York just to catch a glimpse of the jolly guy in a red coat.

Eventually, Santa Claus became a hallmark for major labels, such as Coca-Cola, Salvation Army, and even the movie business showcasing the character of Santa in the 1947 movie Miracle on 34th Street.

Today, Santa Claus has become an iconic figure around the world and in many people’s lives. He is known for his generosity, love of children, and magical abilities. The legend of Santa Claus is a story that millions have enjoyed for centuries. 

Here at Mountain View Lodge and the whole Lake Chelan Valley, Santa’s arrival is a very old tradition that we look forward to on the Saturday after Thanksgiving EVERY year! In addition, he visits regularly between Thanksgiving and Christmas, AND you can even talk to him via shortwave radio from Manson all the way to the North Pole!

Check out this gem of Santa Claus visiting Lake Chelan back in the 1970s.

Helicopter Santa Visits Manson On Lake Chelan

Christmas at The Lodge

People visiting Santa Claus

The Lodge staff is getting into the holiday spirit! We can’t wait to see our guests enjoying our Winterland paradise. So if you haven’t booked your room during your Christmas stay in Lake Chelan, what are you waiting for?

Remember to check out our wonderful deals and packages before reserving your stay with us so you can save during your next vacation in Lake Chelan. Be sure to also check us out on Instagram and Facebook, as we are always posting amazing things happening in Lake Chelan all year long.