Christmas without Santa Claus is just
unimaginable. It is surely incomplete without Santa. He has become
an integral part of the Christmas celebration. His persona, his
dress, his roaring laughter and specially his gifts have been an
indispensable part of Christmas festival, more so for children.
Santa is believed to come riding through the snow on the carriage
pulled by reindeers, led by his favorite Rudolph-- the red nosed
reindeer. Legend says that Elvin, the elf, who looks after his
reindeer Rudolf, also accompanies him. He is mainly associated with
gift giving on the festive occasion especially to children. As a
belief all of them leaves stocking on the hearth and some hang sack
of pillows instead of stockings so that Santa can put gifts in it.
Others even decorate their Christmas list and put it on the
windowsill along with a little bit of sugar so that Santa won't miss
them. They also leave some pies or cookies and some kind of brandy
or drinks as snacks for Santa. On the bright Christmas morning they
wake up early to check what Santa has got for them. Santa Claus in
his red baggy suit, flowing wide bear is quite a craze among the
kids and even for some adults. The custom of Santa Claus coming
along with a sack of gifts is related with the life of Saint
Nicholas. Nicholas was a generous saint who lived in a town called
Partara in the East. He was very fond of children and was kind to
the poor and the downtrodden. For all the wonderful things he did,
his life came to be symbolized in the legend of Santa Claus. Santa
Claus is an integral part of the Christmas spirit, of hope, love and
faith. He conveys the message of Christmas, which is all about
sacrifice, helping each other and brotherhood.
