Santa Claus

What do you know about Saint Nickolas?  Did you know, that he is the origin of the ever popular Santa Clause myth?  Well, this generous monk was born in 280 A.D. and was well known for giving help to the poor and sick. 

In 1774 a American news paper published an article about some families who celebrated to honor him.  They celebrated on December 6th, the anniversary of his death.  The Santa Claus legend evolved yet again in 1804 when someone from the New York Historical society gave away woodcuts of Saint Nickolas and in the background were stockings filled with toys.  The name "Santa Claus"  came is derived from St. Nicks dutch nickname Sinter Klaus. 

Halloween

Why is there a holiday where we all dress up and hound our neighbors for candy?  Well, let me tell you, people didn't always dress up as Elmo or Ariel to get candy.  

2,000 years ago the Celtic's celebrated something called the Festival of Samhain (sow-in) on October 31st and November 1st.  November 1st was the start of their new years.  Sorta like how we have New Years Eve.  Anyway,  the people thought that the barrier between worlds were weaker on October 31st and that Fairies or Sidhs were able to pass through. They left offerings outside there villages and dressed up as monsters so that the fairies would't kidnap them.