Santa is real: Saint Nicholas was born in Patara of Lycia about the middle of the third century, of devout and wealthy parents who provided him with a Christian upbringing and education. He was orphaned at an early age. Later he was ordained a priest. Especially well known is his charity and his love for children. He used his great wealth to relieve all who were in need: poor families, widows, and especially orphans and poor children. For this same purpose he founded, as Bishop, a poorhouse, hostelries, and a hospital. He was the personification of Christian love and affection. As such he is honored by all the Christian world, both the Eastern and the Western. In the West especially he is considered as the great patron Saint of children and the cheerful giver of gifts under the name Santa Claus. For all of us Saint Nicholas is a "Canon of faith and an image of goodness and kindness."

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