While my elves are busy wrapping presents and loading them into my sleigh, I wanted to take a moment to try to answer a question many of you may have: why Santa Claus gives gifts?

Gift-giving is a beautiful tradition that brings joy to the lives of our loved ones, especially the young. Nothing beats the sight of a kid beaming with excitement as they tear into their Christmas presents.

Why Santa Claus Gives Gifts: Where Does Santa’s Story Begin?

Everyone knows that I live at the North Pole, where I train my reindeer, enjoy long conversations with Mrs. Claus by the fire, and read your letters while getting ready to fly my sleigh around the world again for Christmas.

However, the traditions of Santa Claus and gift-giving at Christmas began long ago.

So, let me tell you a story…

Saint Nicholas of Myra

You may also know me as Father Christmas, Saint Nick, Kris Kringle, Papa Noel, Pére Noël, Weihnachtsmann, or by other names, depending on the part of the world you live in.

Whatever you want to call me, my origins may be traced back to the third century and Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of children.

By learning about St. Nicholas, you might discover why Santa Claus gives gifts.

Saint Nicholas is believed to have been born around 300 CE. He was a bishop in the early Christian church.

His family was from Greece, and he was from the Roman port city of Myra in Asia Minor, which is now Turkey.

A mythos says St. Nicholas was widely admired and respected for his astounding kindness and generosity.

His most famous deed was rescuing three sisters from slavery by providing them with dowries, gifts of precious jewelry, or money to be given to a future husband’s family so they could marry. Because their poor father couldn’t afford a dowery, St. Nicholas dropped gifts through the window for the girls to be married and avoid slavery.

He is also known as Nicholas the Wonderworker because his prayers are said to have caused many miracles.

Today, Saint Nicholas is known as the patron saint of children, sailors, people who are not married, and students in many towns and countries across Europe.

His well-known habit of giving gifts in secret led to the classic image of Santa Claus.