Santa Claus, the jolly man in red we know and love, has a history as rich as the cookies he enjoys on Christmas Eve. His story begins centuries ago with Saint Nicholas, a kind-hearted monk born in the third century in what is now Turkey. Known for his generosity and love for children, Saint Nicholas became the stuff of legends after secretly delivering gifts and helping the needy, earning him the title of Patron Saint of Children.
Fast forward to the 18th century, where Dutch settlers in America celebrated “Sinterklaas,” their version of Saint Nicholas. He eventually evolved into the cheerful Santa Claus, thanks to a combination of European folklore and clever American marketing. In 1822, Clement Clarke Moore penned the famous poem A Visit from St. Nicholas (better known as ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas), which gave us many of Santa’s iconic traits: his reindeer, his sleigh, and his joyful chuckle.
The modern image of Santa, with his rosy cheeks, twinkling eyes, and trademark red suit, was solidified in the early 20th century, largely thanks to Coca-Cola’s holiday advertisements. Santa’s heartwarming image has since spread worldwide, bringing joy to millions of children each Christmas season.
This year, Santa is making an extra-special stop right here in Oakridge! Gather your family and join us for Skate with Santa on Christmas Eve Day, a magical free event for the whole community. Glide across the ice with Santa himself and make unforgettable holiday memories.
So, dust off your skates, bring your festive cheer, and meet us at the Oakridge community centre rink. Let’s celebrate the season with laughter, fun, and a little holiday magic! Event details are at www.oakridgecommunity.ca. See you there!
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