From St. Nicholas to Santa Claus: A Tradition of Giving

From St. Nicholas to Santa Claus: A Tradition of Giving

The concept of the American Santa Claus originated with St. Nicholas, who was born in Asia Minor about 280. He was known as a kind, benevolent man and made a saint because of his generosity. In honor of St. Nicholas, December 6 became the traditional day in Europe for the exchange of Christmas gifts and the beginning of the holiday season. Dutch immigrants to the United States brought with them their version of the gift-giving St. Nicholas, known as “Sinter

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Department 56 Halloween Village Displays

Department 56 Halloween Village Displays

Confession: I love Halloween but hate all things scary. I know…it doesn’t make any sense but it’s true! When I was growing up, we were “those” people on the block. Our house was completely decked out with ghosts, fog creeping out of large steel barrels and a graveyard filled with tombstones and skeleton bones – Halloween decorations galore! My dad always had a passion for the holiday, which then got passed down to me. Except he loves scary things and

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