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\f0\fs24 \cf0 Origins of the Santa Claus legend \
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Saint Nicholas was a wealthy Greek bishop in fourth - century Asia Minor - modern day Turkey - who gave secret gifts of gold to the poor.  Known in Dutch as Sinterklaas, , a corruption of Sint - Nicolaas, he merged with the English Father Christmas character to create the modern Santa Claus.\
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AD 280 - AD 343 Nicholas of Myra - later Saint Nicholas is revered as patron saint of children, sailors and ships \
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17th Century Dutch immigrants bring stories of Sinterklaas (Santa Claus) to New Amsterdam, now New York \
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1823 \
New York's Troy Sentinel newspaper publishes Clement Clarke Moore's poem, A Visit From St. Nicholas The Night Before Christmas - featuring old man on reindeer-drawn sleigh who brings gifts to children.  \
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1863 -86\
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Thomas Nast, political cartoonist of Harper's Weekly, is first artist to define Santa's modern image, as a bearded, plump, jolly man.  His 1881 illustration (above) attains status akin to an official portrait\
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1931-64\
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Haddon Sundblom's illustrations of red - coated Santa Claus for Coca - Cola's Christmas adverts remain most popular image\
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1939\
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Rudolf, the Red - Nosed Reindeer is created in poem by Robert L. May.  In 1949, May's brother - in - law Johnny Marks turns poem into song, made famous by Gene Autry.  \
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Dasher \
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Dancer \
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Prancer \
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Vixen \
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Comet \
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Cupid \
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Donner \
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Blitzen \
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Flying reindeer pull Santa's sleigh to help him deliver Christmas gifts \
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Sources: The History of Christmas.com, St. Nicholas Centre, New York times, Coca - Cola Company \
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words 250\
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