St. Nicholas had to go. The protestants demanded it, and so he 'went'...into hiding. From the ousting of St. Nick came 3 different gift bringers...all vying for the crown of 'Christmas Gift Bringer'. This is the story behind Kriss Kringle, the Terror Men like Belsnickle & Sinterklaas.

Featured Author :

Tom A. Jerman - Santa Claus Worldwide

To me, Saint Nicholas has always hung around Christmas like a rope - it’s a thing that’s just begging to be pulled and reveal the magician behind the curtain. Does St. Nicholas actually have this power over Mr. Claus though?

Today we dive into the history of Nicholas of Myra and try and see if there is actually anyway to connect him to our Santa Claus. Sure, the name might fit, but does anything else?

Thanks today to Special Guests ::

• Joseph A McCullough for his book The Story of Santa Claus
• Tom A. Jerman for his book Santa Claus Worldwide

When we think about Santa is the original or is he the latest in a line of gift bringers...and if someone is responsible for the 'nice' list - who's responsible for the 'naughty' list.

Looking back, we find the roots of our first gift bringer not where you might expect...actually further North where the nights could be months long and the winter air was filled with spirits; some bringing presents and some passing judgement.