Why is the jovial white-haired man, decked out in his red-and-white attire, so appealing to us?
Santa Claus, known as Father Christmas or Saint Nicholas, has been dear to us since we first uttered the words, “mama” and “dada.”
Although people have varying views on his origin, the general idea is that the merry old Saint Nicholas lived in Asia Minor during the mid-4th century CE (Common Era).
He was a compassionate man who helped the less fortunate in his lifetime. He loved children, and secretly tossed presents into their homes.
Dr. William Klingaman, an advanced-history teacher at Centennial High School, believes that society?s depiction of this iconic man materialized from a magazine.
“Our image of Santa Claus actually comes from a cartoonist in the late 19th century named Thomas Nast, who drew for the American [political] magazine Harper?s Weekly,” he said.
When asked about his views on Santa Claus, 12-year-old Alex, a home-schooled student in Carroll County, replied, “I think that he likes to eat a lot of candy, so that?s why his stomach is so big.”
Christina, a fifth-grade student at West Friendship Elementary School said, “I do believe in him. I think he is special and magical.”
Olivia Opara, a first-grader at St. John?s Parish Day School, remarked, “I like him. He?s nice, and he gives lots of presents.”
Olivia?s mother, Carrie Opara said, “She even got to see him last week [at the Columbia Mall].”
Regardless of how much time has passed, this jolly old fellow continues to live in many of our hearts.
“I still believe in Santa Claus,” said Andre Savoy, a sophomore at Baltimore Talent Development High School.
Tina Zou is a senior at Centennial High School in Baltimore City. She is an intern for The Examiner.
