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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Luis Andres Henao

When is St. Nicholas Day? And how did this Christian saint inspire the Santa Claus legend?

Santa Claus St. Nicholas Saint Nicholas St Nick Sinterklaas America
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved

The white-bearded Christian saint whose acts of generosity inspired America’s secular Santa Claus figure is known worldwide — but Saint Nicholas' origin story is not.

The legends surrounding jolly old St. Nicholas — celebrated annually on Dec. 6 — go way beyond delivering candy and toys to children.

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