There are many inspiring stories of the kindness, generosity, and love that St. Nicholas had for others. Throughout the centuries and today, these stories continue to motivate people around the world. And now, as Santa Claus, I carry on the gift-giving spirit of St. Nicholas every Christmas as I fly around the world bringing joy to children just like you!
The Beginnings of a Toymaker
From an early age, I realized that I had a special talent of being able to make anything I wanted out of wood. I was happiest when creating toys. I also made all kinds of other things that people needed like tables, chairs, and kitchen things like spoons and forks.
Seeing the happiness that my toys brought to children, I made many throughout the year. My workshop smelled of cedar and pine and children would often press their noses against my window to watch me carve dolls, trains, and animals. On Christmas Eve, I would ride in my sleigh through the village delivering the toys to all the children.
I continued making toys for many years finding so much joy in seeing the smiles of children in my village. By this time, I had a long white beard and gray hair. But at the age of 73, my life suddenly changed in a magical way and took a very different path.
I Become Santa Claus
It all began when I received some mysterious visitors at my house. It was a group of Elves who were traveling north to less populated areas in an effort to keep their magic hidden from people. You see, at one time, magic was commonplace and just as accepted as the fact that the sun rises every day. The Elves made magic all over the world for centuries benefiting all of mankind. But as cities and towns continued to expand throughout many countries, the Elves began moving northward to less populated areas as they preferred to stay hidden.
It was in their movement northward that the Elves came through my village and we first met. One Christmas Eve, I was in my home when I heard voices outside so I went to the front door and opened it. I found myself face to face with a group of very small people. I knew right away that they were Elves. The Elves greeted me politely and I learned that they had been watching me for years. They took note of the happiness I brought to the children of my village with the gifts I delivered each Christmas Eve. They then explained to me their vision of Santa Claus and how they had decided that, if I was willing, I should become Santa.
The plan of the Elves was that delivering toys to the children of the world on one special night of the year would spread love and happiness all across the globe. Bringing happiness to a child is the most magical thing an Elf can do.
If I accepted the job of becoming Santa Claus, I would move and live with the Elves in the new village they were building at the North Pole. My life as Nicholas would end and I would begin spreading goodwill to all the men, women, and children of the world. In return, I would be awarded the same long life that the Elves enjoy and would receive special gifts of magic to help me accomplish my tasks as Santa. I realized that this offer would allow me to continue what had always brought so much joy to me – bringing smiles to the faces of children.
From that day forth, at the age of 73, Nicholas mysteriously disappeared from the world and I became Santa Claus.
Over time, people in many countries began to recognize me in their own special way. I have many different names throughout the world. A few of my many names are Sinterklaas in the Netherlands, Pere Noel in France, Father Christmas in Britain, Christkind in Austria, Kriss Kringle in Germany, Father Ice in Russia, and, of course, St. Nicholas in many other parts of the world. When news of what Santa and the Elves were doing reached other places, some people began calling me Santa Claus!
Mrs. Claus
Now, you may be wondering about Mrs. Claus – how we met, married, and how she became such an important part of our work here at the North Pole.
When I first moved to the snowy North Pole to begin my work as Santa Claus, the land was quiet and untouched. I built a cozy little workshop with the help of the Elves. Although I was surrounded by cheer and toys, my heart felt a little lonely.
One winter’s evening, while delivering gifts to a small fishing village in Greenland, I heard the most beautiful singing drifting through the frosty air. Following the melody, I discovered a kindhearted woman named Elva singing with a choir who had arranged themselves on platforms in the shape of a Christmas tree! She was surrounded by children as she sang. Elva had warm eyes, a gentle laugh, and a love for children that matched my own.
I was so impressed by her kindness that I returned often to visit. And soon, Elva began visiting the North Pole. She baked cookies for the Elves, advised us on the creation of new and exciting toys, mended my red coat, and brought joy to everyone she met. The Elves adored her instantly, saying, “Santa has found his perfect partner!”
As the years passed, Elva and I grew inseparable. One Christmas Eve, after the reindeer returned from their long journey, I asked her to be my wife. Surrounded by Elves, reindeer, and a sky full of shimmering northern lights, she said yes. From then on, Elva became known to the world as Mrs. Claus, but to Santa, she has always been my dearest companion.
