The Miracle of St. Nicholas
“Alas! How dreary would be the world if there was no Santa Claus! There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence.” — Francis P. Church
St. Nicholas
The story of Santa is diverse and varied. One version is the story of Nicholas of Bari, later known as St. Nicholas, who lived in 4th entry Myra, modern-day Turkey. He was orphaned at a young age and left with an inheritance. As a child, Nicholas would make hand-made toys for the children. St. Nicholas became a monk and continued sharing secret gifts with those less fortunate.
Another version of the story has St. Nicholas hanging stockings and putting presents in them. This version began with a man who did not have a dowry for his daughters. Nicholas heard of this and secretly slipped money in a stocking through the chimney to remain anonymous. The man wanted to know the donor’s identity but never found out who he was. The giving in the cloak of the night would continue with all of his daughters.
Over time, the story evolved to include the legend of the magic of St. Nicholas, who would give away gifts at night. In the life of St. Nicholas, he gave away all of his worldly possessions out of sheer love and generosity for other humans. The Church later sainted him for his deeds. He is now considered the saint of children and sailors.
St. Nicholas would eventually take over his uncle’s position as the Bishop of Myra. Finally, he was persecuted and exiled and died around December 6th between 343-354 C.E. The story of St. Nicholas would live on for thousands of years in the hearts of people who believed in his magic and love.
Santa
St. Nicholas would deliver presents to children. Eventually, the story of St. Nicholas, now St. Christmas, Father Christmas, and Old Man Christmas. The character originated from plays from the middle-ages in the U.K. and Northern European countries. In France, he went by the name Père Nöel.
What is most striking is how the legend of Santa and the story of his magic and wondrous acts exist across many countries globally. As the story migrated to the U.S.A., the Dutch settlers called St. Nicholas Christkind, which later merged with the Kris Kringle to become Sinterklaas, or Santa, as he is now. Today, many European countries celebrate St. Nicholas day on December 6th every year, where children leave out shoes or socks to receive gifts for being good the previous year.
Krampus
Stemming from German pagan folklore, the legend of Krampus emerged in 17th-century Austria. Krampus is considered Santa’s evil twin. Krampus is a hairy beast with ram-like horns, hooved feet, and canine incisors packed into a blood-red mouth. Krampus wears heavy chains and is associated with the devil in that he carries away the naughty to hell.
The legends state that Krampus wanders the streets on the eve of December 6th, with St. Nicholas dealing with those on the naughty list. In Austria, it became an excuse for drunken parties where adults dressed as Krampus and wandered the streets. In a way, he is a dark shadow side to Jolly St. Nicolas. The story of Krampus reminds us that there are two sides to everything.
Modern-Day Santa
In 1809 Washington Irvine wrote the book Knickerbocker’s History of New York. In it, he referenced a surprising Santa sighting in New York. Irvine explained how Santa came flying over the trees of Central Park in his wagon, the same one used to give presents to children. He stepped out of his wagon to smoke his pipe before getting back in and flying away.
In December 1823, Clement Clark Moore walked home to his family with a turkey under his arm when he became inspired to write a poem entitled A Visit from St. Nicholas. The poem is eventually named The Night Before Christmas.
Many more authors, musicians, and storytellers would create an image we associate with Santa Today. Although Santa has taken on a very commercial tone in recent history, the magic, and spirit of giving and receiving draw us to this almost mythical character.
The Spirit of Santa
Just as in the stories of the generosity, kindness, and love of St. Nicholas, the spirit of Santa exists even Today. St. Nicholas gave selflessly to the poor and cared for children (and sailors!),
This spirit also resides in the hearts and minds of children who every year approach this time with wonderment, validating that it is good in the world and that magic is real.
Regardless of the history or beliefs in Santa, it is safe to say that everyone seeks that twinkle, that spark of inspiration and joy, that allows us to believe that anything is possible if only we believe it with all of our heart.
A Psychic Perspective
St. Nicholas or Santa is not only the jolly man of stories, movies, and songs. He is also a spirit or entity that we may connect with daily. When we allow the spirit of Santa into our hearts, we open to gifts of prosperity and healing. Santa may be considered a miracle vibration that is powerful beyond measure. You may tap into the spirit of Santa at any time, no matter what time of year. You need only to call upon him.
Santa is always present in spirit, and to connect; you only need to call him by name and ask for what you need. Santa helps you to up-level your sense of abundance or havingness in your life. When you connect to the Santa vibration, you may experience child-like joy and wonderment, keeping you in lightness and a state of play called psychic ‘kindergarten.’ This high-frequency vibration allows manifestations and miracles to happen. It is arguably the most potent manifestation or mock-up tool that exists.
The truth about Santa is that he is an energy that exists within all of us. All you need to do is get into a meditative flow state, open your heart and believe. You may also visit Santa in the yearly Santa Claus Meditation, offered live or by MP3 recording to students of Clairvoyant Meditation 102 or higher.
If you want to explore psychic tools, meditation, and psychic development, sign up for our Clairvoyant Meditation Free Open House to learn about course offerings or book a psychic reading or spiritual healing through The Psychic School.
