There Really is a Santa Claus - History of Saint Nicholas & Christmas Holiday Traditions

Saint Nicholas - Sinter Klaas - Santa Claus Read the story of Nicholas, 3rd Century Bishop of Myra, Asia Minor (present-day Turkey), and how over time stories of his holy, generous life were embellished into legend.

Discover additions of writer Washington Irving, minister Clement Moore, Civil War illustrator Thomas Nast, and Coca-Cola artist Haddom Sundblom.

Explore fascinating origins of the 12 Days of Christmas, Christmas Tree, Carols, Kris Kringle, Creche' scene, Poinsettia, Hanukkah... Relive events on Christmas throughout history, from Columbus to Valley Forge, the Great Depression to the Korean War.

Travel back in time by reading Christmas Messages of U.S. Presidents, such as Harry S Truman, just after WWII, at the lighting of the National Christmas Tree, 1946: "If we as a nation, and the other nations of the world, will accept it, the star of faith will guide us into the place of peace as it did the shepherds on that day of Christ's birth long ago."