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1 2  Santa Claus.
Yes. This month, Santa Claus will be coming to visit Pagosa Springs, Colorado as he makes his trips throughout the world. We at the Pagosa Review thought that this would be a good time to find out a little more about this jolly old man in the red suit.
 In order to get the real story behind Santa, we headed to the North Pole and Santa's Village.
During a lively interview that was full of laughter and fun, Santa and I were interrupted several times by the elves asking questions. More than once I watched as he consulted a list that scrolled into large piles on the floor. From this list he could tell the elves whether a child had been good - or not - and what they were hoping to get for Christmas. This process was as interesting to watch as the actual toy making.
 Pagosa Review: Santa, I did quite a bit of research before coming here to the North Pole, and I discovered many legends that are attributed to your beginnings.
The American version of St. Nicholas, or Santa Claus originally came from the Dutch version called Sint Klaas. The Dutch settlers in New Amsterdam (New York) brought this fun and lively tradition to America.
This version of Santa has given the current myth its visual form and these most curious traditions:
- A merry old man with red and white clothes
- Eight flying reindeer, later joined by Rudolph the red nosed reindeer.
- A home located on or near the North Pole
- The habit of filling socks or stockings with presents on the night of December 24th.
- The habit of entering houses through the chimney
Countless legends (but no documents) are told about the Patron Saint of Giving known as St. Nicholas. Within both Western and Eastern Christian Churches similar mythology, or tradition, exists. According to these legends, St. Nicholas was born in the city of Patara, and traveled to Palestine and Egypt when he was young. It is said that St. Nicholas is the real Santa.
The Russian Grandfather Frost has strong Pagan relations. He is always accompanied by his granddaughter Snegurochka (Snow girl), a merry girl who helps Grandfather Frost provide a party for children as well as bringing them gifts. He wears a long fur coat covered by bright beautiful cloth (blue or red) trimmed in fur. Before 1917 he was related to Christmas. Grandfather Frost and Snegurochka visit children asking them to sing or read a poem, sometimes asking if they were good, and of course giving presents. Today Grandfather Frost is much more connected to New Year celebrations.
In fact Santa Claus incorporates many traditions: Christian and Pagan, Old Catholic, Scandinavian, Dutch, German and English.
Which tradition is the truth?
Santa: Well, my dear, it really does not matter which story you believe. What really matters is that you believe. I bring everyone together! Kids of all ages all over the world know who Santa is... And although I may have become a little commercial, who can help, but love me, jolly old elf that I am?
Pagosa Review: [laughing] Yes. We all do love you! But speaking of stories, there has been so much fiction written about you and your team up here in the North Pole. These stories paint an image of you in children's heads - like the Christmas poem 'A Visit From St. Nicholas' by Clement C. Moore. This was originally written for his children in 1823, but was later published for the general public. These stories have changed how children perceive you today. Does that bother you?
Santa: Of course not! These stories help keep the belief in me alive. They help define who I am and my style. My current look, which I find very elegant, was drawn by Thomas Nash. Originally he drew his concept of me for Abraham Lincoln to cheer up the troops (see below), but the poem you just mentioned by Clement Moore was printed with one of Thomas Nash's famous Santa Claus pictures.
More question for Santa on the next page.
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