Kris Kringle is one of the names of the beloved figure of Christmas, Santa Claus. Not many individuals are aware of the name Kris Kringle, yet he has a rich history. Kris Kringle is one and the same as Santa Claus, as well as St. Nicholas. He was alive during the 3rd century and became known as the patron saint of children. Even though much is debated about his life, he was a real man who lived, helped children, and followed Christ.
Santa Claus is often the man we associate with Christmas, even though we should first connect Christmas with Jesus. While the idea of Santa Claus is whimsical and magical, the man Santa Claus is still not around. Santa Claus, also known as Kris Kringle, was a real man who lived centuries ago. The idea that Santa Claus is an immortal being or an elf is not true. Kris Kringle was a man who lived during the 3rd century, and he was known for helping children.
Kris Kringle is also known as St. Nicholas, who was a monk. History teaches us that he was born in 280 A.D. in Patara (an ancient town in modern-day Lycia, Turkey). There are many beliefs and legends surrounding St. Nicholas, yet two major stories stick out. One legend teaches that St. Nicholas had great wealth, gave it away to the poor, and dedicated his life to serving the poor, most notably children. The other story of St. Nicholas teaches us that he saved sisters from a life of prostitution by paying for their dowry to their father.
Through these stories, we can see that St. Nicholas was a noble man who was devoted to helping others. Out of his wealth, he was able to help the poor and save many from a life of slavery. Many people believe Santa Claus to not be real, yet he was a real person—just not in the same way he has been presented in pop culture and Christmas tradition. Through the real life of Kris Kringle, we now have the popular tradition of Santa Claus delivering gifts to children. Similar to what the real St. Nicholas did in the 3rd century, his memory and kind acts are carried on.
The name Kris Kringle is actually historically connected to Martin Luther. During the time of the Protestant Reformation, Martin Luther wanted to help others know that they should not pray to saints, including St. Nicholas. Martin Luther did this because he had a rich knowledge of the Bible and knew that the Bible did not endorse praying to saints. Rather, the only person we need to pray to is God Himself. Nonetheless, Martin Luther came up with the idea of the “Christkind."
The word “Christkind” means “Christ-child” in German. The “Christkind” were gift-bringers who would leave presents for children. These gift bringers would bring gifts on Christmas Eve to any children who were good. Similar to the modern day, children are taught that if they are good, they will receive gifts; however, if they misbehave, they will not receive gifts or will coal lumps of coal in their stockings instead. Throughout time, the title of “Christkind” changed, and the name "Kris Kringle" was adopted around the 1840s. This explains why even in the modern day, many countries refer to Santa Claus as Kris Kringle.
The name “Santa Claus” comes from “Sinter Klaas, ashortened form of Sint Nikolaas (Dutch for Saint Nicholas)." This name has radically become the popular English name of Saint Nicholas, later evolving into Santa Claus. In the modern day, Santa Claus is the most popular name given to this Christmas figure each year. Parents pretend to be Santa Claus and leave gifts for their children. It is a magical tradition that gives many children happy memories of their Christmas traditions.
Our modern-day Santa Claus is directly related to the New York minister, Clement Clarke Moore. He wrote a poem called “An Account of a Visit from St. Nicholas” for his daughters, which is what we now have as the beloved children's Christmas tale, Twas The Night Before Christmas. In this classic poem, Clement Clarke Moore crafted the idea of Santa Claus that we commonly picture in the modern day, such as the reindeer flying, Santa’s secret visits through the chimney, and Santa’s coming on Christmas Eve. While this is a Christmas story, it is not accurate as to the true man of St. Nicholas. He is not an eternal being who returns each year to deliver gifts to children. Rather, Santa Claus is a part of the Christmas tradition that many individuals celebrate each year.
Different Views of Santa Claus
Across the world, the tradition of Santa Claus can be found; however, he is sometimes known by a different name. Within America, we often associate Santa Claus with the jolly man in a red suit and a big white beard. In the United Kingdom, Santa Claus is known as Father Christmas. Father Christmas is known as a man who wears a green cloak, wears a wreath of holly on his head, and holds a staff in his hand.
In Sweden, children know Santa Claus to be Tomte or Jultomten. Tomte or Jultomten was originally associated with the devil, yet he is now connected with Santa Claus. It is also tradition for Tomte or Jultomten to wear a mask, a red suit, and pass out gifts to good children. Similar to Swedish traditions, Norway has their own version of Santa Claus, known as Julenissen. Julenissen are supposed to be Christmas fairies or elves that leave presents to children; however, Julenissen were first associated as being barn devils.
The Netherlands views Santa Claus as Sinterklaas, who is closely related to the traditional idea of Santa Claus. The Netherlands and other European countries also include a companion with their version of Santa Claus, known as Krampus or Grumpus. This companion to Santa Claus is often the opposite of Santa Claus as he is a beast or half-man/half-creature who is used to scare children into being good. This can be quite frightening to children, particularly at European Christmas markets, yet the tradition still remains even in the modern day.
As you can see, the history of Kris Kringle dates back to the 3rd century through the person of St. Nicholas. Even though many individuals do not refer to Santa Claus as Kris Kringle, it is one of the many names for this jolly individual who plays as part in many people's Christmas traditions. While Santa Claus is not a magical, eternal being, he was a real person known as St. Nicholas, who helped the poor and children. His memory still lives on into the modern day with the tradition of Santa Claus every Christmas season.
It is interesting to think about the history of Santa Claus, yet the true reason for the season is Jesus Christ. Perhaps, if we tell our children about magic reindeer and little elves, we should also take time to note why it is so important to give gifts of kindness and love to others. This will allow Jesus to take center stage in the hearts of children. Make sure this holiday season that you do not forget the true meaning of Christmas and the importance of celebrating the anniversary of Jesus coming into the world to save us from our sins.
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