*Parents may request personalized greetings to their children from Santa Claus HERE.
Questions about Santa Claus
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Why does Santa have so many names?
First, Santa Claus is our mispronunciation of the Dutch, “Sinter Klaas”. Sinter means Saint and Klaas is a nickname for Nicholas. They are the same thing (St. Nicholas). Kris Kringle is a mispronunciation of the German, “Christkindl”, which actually means Christ Child. In Germany the child spirit of Jesus once delivered gifts, and somehow the name came to be used for Santa. “Father Christmas” is used by many Protestants because they associate sainthood with Catholicism.
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Where does Santa get all the money he needs?
St. Nicholas was born into a wealthy family around 370 AD. Over the past 1700 years he has invested that money very wisely, and has enough to keep the workshop running and the reindeer nicely fed. Food and supplies are airdropped at the North Pole every month. Contrary to popular belief, he pays the elves a good salary with benefits too!
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Does Santa visit every child in the world on Christmas Eve?
His biggest run is on Christmas Eve, and he does travel all around the world. I bet you didn’t know though, that in some places, parents ask him to come on the eve of his own St. Nicholas’ Day (December 5) or on Epiphany Eve (January 5). This lightens his load a bit for Christmas Eve.
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What nationality is Santa?
St. Nicholas was born in Asia Minor, which is our modern Turkey. However, he is a citizen of the North Pole, and that is considered international territory. No one country can lay claim to it. This means he belongs to all of us everywhere.
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What religion is Santa Claus?
St. Nicholas was a bishop in the 4th century. He is Catholic, but he loves people everywhere of every culture and background. The elves at the North Pole come from all over the world and celebrate many winter holidays like: Eid, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Diwali, Yule, Winter Solstice, Bodhi Day, and more.
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Why does Santa always wear the red and white outfit?
As a bishop in the days of the Roman Empire, St. Nicholas wore white robes with a red cape. His outfits have changed with the times. In colonial times, he wore trunk hose and a broad brimmed hat. In the Victorian age, he had robes in many different colors and embroidered in gold. In the 1930’s, an artist named Haddon Sundblom started painting Coca Cola ads with Santa in the red and white outfit we are familiar with today. Since so many children expect Santa to look like that, he has obliged by keeping it as the standard. That doesn’t mean he won’t change in the future though. What do you think would be a good modern look for him?
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Why is St. Nicholas the patron saint of children?
The most famous story about St. Nicholas is that he saved 3 girls from slavery by providing them with dowries to marry. He threw 3 bags of gold in through the window of their home. One may have fallen into a stocking that was drying over the fireplace. St. Nicholas also performed a miracle by reviving 3 murdered young boys, and once calmed the sea in a fierce storm by praying. He is the patron saint of children, maidens, sailors, and travellers.
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How long is his Christmas Eve flight?
Time zones work in Santa’s favor. He has 24 hours to make his deliveries on Christmas Eve, but still needs to use quite a bit of magic to get it all done.
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Do the elves make all the toys in the world?
No, elves only make the toys that Santa needs to deliver during the holidays. Toy factories all over the world make toys to be sold in stores.
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Why do some toys made by elves say “Made in China”?
The elf made toys are sometimes stamped with “Made in China” to show where the materials came from. The materials to make the toys may have come from China or other places, but the actual toys were made at Santa’s Workshop at the North Pole.
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Why doesn’t Santa visit all of my friends?
Santa Claus must have a signed permission slip from the elders in a household to visit the home. He doesn’t want to be charged with breaking and entering! Some families do not wish Santa to come to their homes. They may have religious reasons or they may just be uncomfortable with the idea. Remember, it is up to parents whether they want their family to participate or not, and children should respect their wishes.