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Show About Old Santa Claus, Children's Patron Saint "TUE dictionary merely tells you thai Santa Claus Is a contraction f Saint Nicholas (see Nicholas, Saint). A turning of the pages reveals that Nicholas was bishop of Myra or Smyr aa in Asia Minor about 300 A. D. He was the patron saint nf old Russia and was believed to offer special protec tlon and comfort to "sea-faring men. thieve?, virgins and children." His af fectlon for children was based on the assertion thai he brought back to lltf three schoolboys who had been mur dered. An encyclopedia attributes the name by which he is known in America to the early Dutch settlers who called him San Nlcolaas. But it little matters whether he be known as Saint Nicholas, Santa Claus. Kris Kringle, or a dozen other names, for the presence of his spirit on this climax holiday of the year Is the Important Im-portant thing. It enters every home in the four corners of Christendom and touches the hearts of all the men and women In them. Moreover, It If essentially the spirit of childhood, the freshness, the courage, and the eager ness of young lives. Saint Nicholas may seem old. but he has none of the fears, regrets or prejudices of age. He and his children stand on the threshold of the world. Their banner Is good will and their goal Is peace. So this day, dedicated to the mem ory of the birth of a child, belongs to all children. It Is their carols, their laughter, their happiness which makes It sweet. And we older folk should on this day at least share their kindliness, their tolerance, their purity and theli Saint Nicholas. The Boston Herald |