1. History Detectives
Christmas through the ages
“Will the real St Nick please stand up?”

2. Activity 1
You have three minutes to draw and label
a picture of St Nicholas in your books
 What have our drawings got in common?


The following slides will explain some of
the many interpretations of St Nicholas

3. St Nicholas – the saint
Nicholas, was born during the third century in the village
of Patara (now Turkey). His parents died and he used his
money to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. He
dedicated his life to serving God and was
What reasons might Christians have to remember
made Bishop of Myra.
St Nicholas?
 Nicholas became known throughout the land for his
generosity to the those in need, his love for children, and his
concern for sailors and ships.
 Bishop Nicholas suffered for his faith and was exiled and
imprisoned by the Roman Emperor Diocletian. Nicholas was
freed and later died December 6, AD 343. The anniversary
of his death became a day of celebration.


4. St Nicholas – aka Father
Christmas
Father Christmas dates
to 17th century in
Britain, portraying him
as a this different from what we celebrate in
How is jolly wellnourished bearded man
Britain today?
dressed in a long,
green, fur-lined
robe. He demonstrated
the spirit of good cheer
at Christmas.


5. St Nicholas – aka Santa Claus
The modern figure can be traced to the Dutch figure
of Sinterklaas.
 The common image of Santa Claus image became popular in
America and Canada in the 19th century.
 According of tradition traced to the surprise Claus
Does any to athis information 1820s, Santayou?lives at
the North Pole, with a large number of magical elves, and nine
flying reindeer.
 Since the 20th century, in an idea popularized by the 1934 song
"Santa Claus Is Coming to Town", Santa Claus has been believed
to make a list of children throughout the world, categorizing them
according to their behaviour and to deliver presents, to all of the
good boys and girls in the world, and sometimes coal to the
naughty children, on the single night of Christmas Eve.


6. Activity 2
Create a rap, song, or poem to describe
who was the real St Nicholas
 Be ready to perform your interpretation to
the class


7. Feedback
Think about your presentation:
‘what went well’ and ‘even better if’
 On a post it write down the differences
between the St Nicholas you drew earlier
and the one in your presentation
