History of Christmas

Father Christmas and Santa Claus were originally two different figures. In England, Father Christmas was a man dressed in green (representing the return of Spring) who was supposed to visit families and feast with them at Christmas. (He did not bring gifts). However in the 19th century in England Father Christmas merged with the Dutch Santa Claus. He is supposed to be based on St Nicholas a Christian bishop who lived in Turkey in the 4th century AD. According to tradition, St Nicholas gave generous gifts to the poor. www.localhistories.org/christmas.html