When you guys are done arguing, let me know. No one will stop me from buying a cow this christmas for the next family reunion. If Christmas makes some families, friends and foes to unite, then I see nothing wrong with it.

wayne4loan: . Let's just leave it this way ...kid believe in super hero, santa is a super hero that emerge during the christmas season.

#smh. Its different when we tell them its a celebration of christ, tell them God hates lies, then turn around and teach them to believe lies and spread it.
Makes no bit of sense.

xynerise: When you guys are done arguing, let me know. No one will stop me from buying a cow this christmas for the next family reunion. If Christmas makes some families, friends and foes to unite, then I see nothing wrong with it.

maybe so, just dnt try to paint it a christian stuff. Its a secular holiday and even some atheists celebrate it.

Francheezy: i tink itz a bluetooth c0nnect!0n, 0r cld it b wifi.
.
.
Anyway, deriz still a conecti0n

funny..lol

elrony: Dec 25th i have it in mind dat am celebratin d birth of JESUS CHRIST...dont care if ogun or amadioha was alleged 2 have been celebrated by his ppl dat day...so i dnt rwily give a rat asz on watever fallacy anybody tryna dig up..

You are just afraid of the truth.....that's all......

From your statement I can deduce that wether Jesus likes it or not you must celebrate his birthday on a pagan date..........

coca cola and paganism

celebrate who saved Mankind(the Son of God, the root of David, Jesus Christ, Immanuel, God with us, comforter, master of the universe: the greatest teacher; Dr; philosopher; prophet; Leader; ever) in a anyway that will make God feel happy 4 sending Him to the Earth to change perception, preach to the poor, confuse the wisest ones, bridge gap, clean off all sins of faithful believers, pave way 4 redemption of all...indeed, He is worth celebrating anytime & anyday...no matter the blaspheming languages unbelievers are using against Christ, it doesn't change the fact that, we serve the Lord of all Lords & the king of all kings...who had subdued satan with all the power in Heaven & on Earth at His disposal already.

pls accept Christ as ur personal Lord & saviour & u will never regret u did, i promise u.

God bless u & the joy of Christmas & new yr will never elude us all by His Grace

Oahray: maybe so, just dnt try to paint it a christian stuff. Its a secular holiday and even some atheists celebrate it.

If I see something wrong in celebrating christmas, then I will stop it. Some people celebrate christmas for harmonious reasons

xynerise: When you guys are done arguing, let me know. No one will stop me from buying a cow this christmas for the next family reunion. If Christmas makes some families, friends and foes to unite, then I see nothing wrong with it.

Don‘t mind them. Everything,according to them,has pagan origin. Next thing they will come out to say is that christianity has pagan origin,but they will dispute things that are clearly written in the Bible saying ‘God looks after the heart‘. Who cares about their opinions anyways?

xynerise:
If I see something wrong in celebrating christmas, then I will stop it. Some people celebrate christmas for harmonious reasons

the problem is.. .you may never see anything wrong with it.

shot ur trap: I think the link or connection between them two is that SANTA comes around or visits on the 25th of december, while CHRISTMAS also is on that same day. I think the connection is the day. They both like 25th december and come on that same day. That's my point.

Look at ur username......nw kindly adhere to it.



























Btw, I'm jst kiddin

Ubenedictus: hahaha, so there is no proof that d romans worshipped nimrod during d 1ad-3ad. Wow! How did ur friend wu wrote ur link get d "oral tradition"? Are they d direct decendants of nimrod?

YOU DO ERR. IT IS IN THE BIBLE ABOUT XMAS CELEBRATION AND XMAS TREE. THIS WAS WRITTEN BY JEREMIAH ABOUT THE HEATHENS, WHICH THE BABYLONIAN EMPIRE WAS THE EMPIRE IN CHARGE OF THE WORLD WHEN JEREMIAH WROTE HIS PART OF THE BIBLE, AND WASNT NO GENTILE EMPIRE BEFORE THAT. THE ANCIENT BABYLONIAN EMPIRE WAS THE FIRST GENTILE EMPIRE. SO OF COURSE JEREMIAH WAS SPEAKING ABOUT NIMROD

XMAS TREE >>>>>> JEREMIAH 10 VS 2 Thus saith the Lord, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them.

3 For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe.

4 They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not.

5 They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good.
<<<< XMAS TREE IN THE BABYLONIAN EMPIRE <<<< THIS SHYTTT GO WAY BACK

Christmas and the concept of Santa Claus is alien to the true Christian faith.
Jesus death is the most important for us because it has to do with our liberation from sin, thus bringing about the commandment by Jesus that we remember his death. That was the primary reason for his coming. Now the question is, why is it that the main event Christ told xtians to commemorate is not popular at all, while what he did not ask us to do has been commercialised and become so popular the world over? Is it a biblical error that the bible never mentioned of a faithful servant of God who remembered his birth or whose birth was remembered while he/she were dead?

Christmas can be a great moment to unite the family with members often far away during the year, but the question is that of obedience to implied commands in the bible. In my family we have something more than a day to do that, we have specific dates in the year when everyone comes home for party. Even if one of us is on an oil rig in the gulf of mexico, he has to come home and party. Follow the Christ and not some baseless tradition.
But in the end, its a personal decision which you must be ready to account for before God.

lepasharon: As a believer in God,i know its wrong to celebrate christmas,but you must admit christmas trees do look good tho

the bible did not record that Jesus took his bath so as a believer u should not take your bath

here goes one kicker for u guys...christ never celebrated mass christ-mass, his date of birth was never recorded, he wasnt even born in the winter, so wat r u celebrating? paganism

Guapo:
the problem is.. .you may never see anything wrong with it.

When will you guys talk about repentance and not seeing huge crime in little things? This is not what God wants us to do. Celebrating xmas does not require evil or sinful sacrifices. It doesnt make u a sinner. Those that dont celebrate xmas, are they righteous? NO!. You guys should talk about something serious and not christmas celebration cos judgement will not start from there.

The same as between James Bond and MI6. Except that MI6 is real , or so they said

@ striktlymi
...Christmas has its roots in "sacred tradition." ...

u must b child of d BVM.

lepasharon: As a believer in God,i know its wrong to celebrate christmas,but you must admit christmas trees do look good tho

Read Jeremiah 10 and you'll see yr christ-mass tree

Christians and Christmas
The season is here again when everyone goes on holiday, yes the Christmas celebration and the end of the year jamboree. It is however important to reflect on some of our activities as Christian and be sure that we are in the faith.
I will not dwell on “Christmas” as an entity as it is known to everyone that it is not in the bible neither is the day known to anyone. No example that the Early Christian practiced it either.
I will like us to note the following while we reflect on our believes and involvement in the celebration of Christmas as well as other Doctrines we get involve with:
• In whose authority are we celebrating Christmas? See 1Cor 11: 23-26, Christ commanded his disciples to do this (Communion in his remembrance) Note: Ecc 7:1
Luke 22:19
And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Luke 22:18-20
1 Corinthians 11:24
And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. 1 Corinthians 11:23-25
• Mathew 15:7-9 states that whosoever worship God according to the doctrines and commandment of men are worshiping in “VAIN”
Matthew 15:9
But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, 8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
• Another example is found in Rom 10:1-4; Paul’s prayer is that Israel will be saved (meaning at the time of praying, they were not saved, why?) even though they have the zeal, yet they are not saved because, they have gone to establish their own righteousness thereby not submitting themselves to the righteousness of God.
Romans 10:1
Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. 2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. 3 For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. Romans 10:1-3
• How does “Christmas” celebration constitute act of disobedience to God/self righteousness?
 Christ has said it that, if ye love, keep my commandment.
John 14:15
If ye love me, keep my commandments. John 14:14-16
John 14:21
He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. John 14:20-22
John 15:10
If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.
John 15:9-11

 Christ never commanded it because it is not needed / necessary as all things regarding Life and Godliness has been given to us. See:
2 Peter 1:3
According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue.
 The Doctrine of Christmas is strange and foreign to the Bible, such Doctrine cannot save. We have the duty to contend for the sound doctrine.
2 John 1:9
Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.2 John 1:8-10
1 Timothy 4:6
If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.1 Timothy 4:5-7
1 Timothy 4:13
Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. 1 Timothy 4:12-14
1 Timothy 4:16
Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. 1 Timothy 4:15-16
Please Note that whenever strange doctrines are being mentioned, they are in plural form. (Doctrines!) Meaning the Bible is for one single Doctrine!
Matthew 15:9
But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
Matthew 15:8-10
Colossians 2:22
Which all are to perish with the using after the commandments and doctrines of men?
Colossians 2:21-23
1 Timothy 4:1
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
1 Timothy 4:1-3
Hebrews 13:9
Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein. Hebrews 13:8-10
I will not fail to remind us that the Bible is al sufficient, you might be thinking that “but this is just to honor Christ and means no harm” yes it looks beautiful, acceptable and satisfying to man but ? Paul to Collossians says that these things do show wisdom(according to man) even with humility but they are act of “Will Worship”/ self righteousness which will perish after the commandments and doctrines of men. See;
Colossians 2:23
Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body: not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.
In summary, Doctrine saves and we need to take heed unto ourselves and unto the Doctrine (Note not Doctrines) we practice so as to save ourselves and those that are listening/reading our teachings. 1 Tim 4: 16. If we have been entangled with any strange doctrine, we have to repent and return (from following men) unto Christ. 2 John 1:9-11
9Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds

fisayobolusere: Christians and Christmas
The season is here again when everyone goes on holiday, yes the Christmas celebration and the end of the year jamboree. It is however important to reflect on some of our activities as Christian and be sure that we are in the faith.
I will not dwell on “Christmas” as an entity as it is known to everyone that it is not in the bible neither is the day known to anyone. No example that the Early Christian practiced it either.
I will like us to note the following while we reflect on our believes and involvement in the celebration of Christmas as well as other Doctrines we get involve with:
• In whose authority are we celebrating Christmas? See 1Cor 11: 23-26, Christ commanded his disciples to do this (Communion in his remembrance) Note: Ecc 7:1
Luke 22:19
And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Luke 22:18-20
1 Corinthians 11:24
And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. 1 Corinthians 11:23-25
• Mathew 15:7-9 states that whosoever worship God according to the doctrines and commandment of men are worshiping in “VAIN”
Matthew 15:9
But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, 8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
• Another example is found in Rom 10:1-4; Paul’s prayer is that Israel will be saved (meaning at the time of praying, they were not saved, why?) even though they have the zeal, yet they are not saved because, they have gone to establish their own righteousness thereby not submitting themselves to the righteousness of God.
Romans 10:1
Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. 2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. 3 For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. Romans 10:1-3
• How does “Christmas” celebration constitute act of disobedience to God/self righteousness?
 Christ has said it that, if ye love, keep my commandment.
John 14:15
If ye love me, keep my commandments. John 14:14-16
John 14:21
He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. John 14:20-22
John 15:10
If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.
John 15:9-11

 Christ never commanded it because it is not needed / necessary as all things regarding Life and Godliness has been given to us. See:
2 Peter 1:3
According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue.
 The Doctrine of Christmas is strange and foreign to the Bible, such Doctrine cannot save. We have the duty to contend for the sound doctrine.
2 John 1:9
Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.2 John 1:8-10
1 Timothy 4:6
If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.1 Timothy 4:5-7
1 Timothy 4:13
Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. 1 Timothy 4:12-14
1 Timothy 4:16
Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. 1 Timothy 4:15-16
Please Note that whenever strange doctrines are being mentioned, they are in plural form. (Doctrines!) Meaning the Bible is for one single Doctrine!
Matthew 15:9
But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
Matthew 15:8-10
Colossians 2:22
Which all are to perish with the using after the commandments and doctrines of men?
Colossians 2:21-23
1 Timothy 4:1
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
1 Timothy 4:1-3
Hebrews 13:9
Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein. Hebrews 13:8-10
I will not fail to remind us that the Bible is al sufficient, you might be thinking that “but this is just to honor Christ and means no harm” yes it looks beautiful, acceptable and satisfying to man but ? Paul to Collossians says that these things do show wisdom(according to man) even with humility but they are act of “Will Worship”/ self righteousness which will perish after the commandments and doctrines of men. See;
Colossians 2:23
Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body: not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.
In summary, Doctrine saves and we need to take heed unto ourselves and unto the Doctrine (Note not Doctrines) we practice so as to save ourselves and those that are listening/reading our teachings. 1 Tim 4: 16. If we have been entangled with any strange doctrine, we have to repent and return (from following men) unto Christ. 2 John 1:9-11
9Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds

u must be a Jehovah witnes?anyway, Christ has paid all 4 us, so we re proud of celebratin Him on every december 25th of every yr. Gud quotations u realy took ur time 2 study d Scripture

Santa Claus is a tribute to Saint Nicholas. Who was actually a very giving person, he would give toys to the children whom

were less fortunate and it is said a he wore a red suit while doing it.This why we pay tribute to him every season. The deer

I think were thrown in there for magical effect. . . lol

There are other traditions of giving to children as well. Like the story of babushka who filled the shoes of sleeping children.

Shes on a pilgrimage to see baby Jesus, but he has since grown up, been killed and resurrected . . so she stops at every baby

or child she sees and gives to them .. hoping that her kindness will show kindness to Christ as well

thanks Minute or mynut. Here's my own theory and belief. Xtians believe in Santa because they/we wanna emulate Christ. Christ gave up his life for us so we his followers are expected to do same cos no servant is greater than his master. We should see giving as a reason for our r'ships, just as receiving is a reason for our r'ships as well. For when we give we receive more of whatever we give, when we give we are planting, seeds that will be multiplied back to us. Every true friendship in Christ Jesus must be, mutual love, mutual trust, mutual faith. So therefore we imitate Christ by being givers. Therefore we love Santa for his gifts(sign of love as Jesus gave his life as a result of his love for us) and we give gifts. I am Santa !

Gifts

elrony: Dec 25th i have it in mind dat am celebratin d birth of JESUS CHRIST...dont care if ogun or amadioha was alleged 2 have been celebrated by his ppl dat day...so i dnt rwily give a rat asz on watever fallacy anybody tryna dig up..

I co-sign!

Ubenedictus:
i agree with most of this post, but the part on xmax isnt exactly accurate. The xtians were already celebrating d birth of christ on dec 25 b4 d date was adopted by d pagans! Actually dec 25 was chosen independent of pagan "sun god"

wtf?! Did u really have to quote the whole thing?! Damn!

Maxymilliano: The only correlation between Christmas and Santa is that Christmas, just like Santa has roots firmly enmeshed in pagan ideology, and Christianity itself is an offshoot of paganism for anyone who care to know.

Thank you you said it all ... Santa is just a formulated image formed to enhance the moment of the christmas whis is also formed also none are really truly existing

Some people might want to feel indifferent...how can a church which advocates for christmas be the right one?..for e.g if u had a glass of water..and its 20% poison and 80% water..would you drink it?Note:falsehood no matter how small can never mix with "good" and still be termed as good. Think about that..the true religion must base its entire teaching on the bible giving no room for compromise not even 1%....thats the honest truth..christmas does not in anyway reflect christlike qualities..instead atrocities of the greatest nature are committed on that day...even pope john paul said when he was alive that christmas is not biblical.so you can imagine..tnx be to Jehovah by means of his spirit directed organisation for showing me the truth..*its funny when people see the truth and engage in self-deceit*the right thing is always the right thing to do no two ways..bad is bad

xynerise:
When will you guys talk about repentance and not seeing huge crime in little things? This is not what God wants us to do. Celebrating xmas does not require evil or sinful sacrifices. It doesnt make u a sinner. Those that dont celebrate xmas, are they righteous? NO!. You guys should talk about something serious and not christmas celebration cos judgement will not start from there.

so a celebration that is not biblical is not serious? What can be more serious than adding to the bible(rev22:18,19) by your pagan rooted practises?*smh* keep deceiving yourself

striktlymi:

Good morning,
You asked two questions:

1) Connection between Santa and Christmas.
2) Scriptural backing of Christmas.

I will address the second question first.

There is no where in sacred scriptures where you would find the word "Christmas" just like there is no where you would find the word "Bible", "Car", "Private jet", "M.asturbation" etc. I will like you to understand that not everything is written down explicitly in sacred scriptures. If one choose to believe only what is written in sacred scriptures then it would mean that owning a private jet is wrong and unscriptural. But this is not true. Christmas has its roots in sacred tradition. If you do your research you would find out that, 25th December was a day set aside by some pagans for the worship of the "Sun god". With the advent of Christianity and in order to turn the people's heart from the worship of this pagan festival. The church decided to replace it with the veneration of the Son of God instead. Hence d commemoration of the birth of Jesus on the 25th of December.

Your first question should be answered by the following:

Santa Claus today originated from St. Nicholas, but the derivation of the Santa Claus story comes from many sources. In fact, since the Catholic church in 1969 demoted St. Nicholas from his official saintly status ~ as there were no records of his having been canonized ~ the original legend of this third century Turkish bishop is not very widely recognized as part of our Christmas celebration.

Nicholas was born into a wealthy family living in Patera, in the south of Turkey. Legend claims that on the church's fast days, Wednesdays and Fridays, the infant Nicholas nursed only after sundown.

Just one of many stories demonstrating his holy reputation is about an angel who appeared to the cardinal appointing a new bishop for the Turkish town of Mira, with a face bright like the sun, who told the cardinal to ordain the 30-year old Nicholas.

Through his priesthood in the early Christian faith, even while alive he came to be recognized for his generosity to all those in trouble. In his good-doing role as priest, one story tells of Nicholas, who took pity on a girl in his parish whose family had no dowry. Had Nicholas not intervened, this would have prevented her from marrying. He made a parcel of money from his family's coffers and donated it anonymously to the young woman and her future by throwing it in through the open window, where it is said to have landed in her stocking. This type of event occurred more than once, and Nicholas became known for late night gifts, and the granting of wishes.

A miracle of his legacy is the story of three young students who were robbed and dismembered on their way home from school, and stuffed in a pickle barrel. Nicholas is said to have appeared out of nowhere, and the boys arose at his command, intact.

In 314 A.D., at the Council of Nicea, the Emperor Constantine brought up the question of whether Christ was divine. During the arguments on the subject, Nicholas is reported to have slapped a doubting priest. (*)

Once the story of his deeds spread, he became widely known for helping those in trouble: lawyers and their clients, pawnbrokers, and sailors, as he was invoked to calm turbulent seas. And he became the patron saint of children. From his tomb, a viscous myrrh-like material oozed and was used by pilgrims as an ointment, to heal sickness. By 1082, his body was removed from where it was initially interred in Turkey, and moved to Bari, Italy by grave robbing sailors, and a cathedral was built there in his name. For centuries there were more churches in the middle ages named after him than all the apostles, and next to Christ and the Virgin Mary, St. Nicholas was the next most popular figure in Christianity.

In a French village during the 12th century, local nuns honored their patron on December 6, which became St. Nicholas Day. The nuns delivered candy to all the children who'd been good, leaving it for them in their shoes, and leaving switches in those of the naughtier children. Because they seemed to cover so much territory, some began to say it was St. Nicholas himself who delivered the gifts.

By medieval times Nicholas had become the most beloved patron saint of Europe, and through the middle ages, the story of Christmas in Europe developed to combine religious and pagan myths.

German culture told of the ancient god Voden, the mystical sky rider who would pass judgment over villages to determine who did well, and who did not. In the 16th century reformation, Martin Luther's strong Protestant church banned St. Nicholas, denouncing his popularity as a saint because it rivaled the worship of Jesus.

When Luther created the Protestant church, he realized it would be necessary to wean German children off of St. Nick, so he created Krist Kindle, the winged Christ cherub, who also flew and brought gifts to good children ~ but which instead focused the celebration around Christ. He came on Christmas Eve at Christ's birthday, which more closely coincides with the Winter Solstice, around which pagan religion celebrated the return of the Sun's light.
In England the myth developed around Father Christmas, and in France, Pere Noël. Italy's old hag Bafana, out looking for the Christ child, left gifts in her wake for other kids. The gnome Tompten was Sweden's figure, and in the U.S., Martin Luther's Krist Kindle became Kris Kringle.

It was Dutch sailors who came to the New World and would not give up St. Nicholas as their patron; when they settled, particularly around the New York area, their nickname Santer Klause became the name we know as Santa Claus.

In early colonial times around the American Revolution, the new American culture embraced most all that was not British, and so took on the Dutch Christmas celebration honoring their beloved St. Nick. Washington Irving gave the Dutch culture prominence in his "Knickerbocker Tales," which he wrote for the New York newspaper press. He mentions St. Nicholas over two dozen times in his chronicle, and it is from these writings that the original story "A Visit from St. Nicholas," better known as "The Night Before Christmas," was conceived. The poem came to Clement Clark one night before Christmas when he was riding in a horse and carriage through the snowy streets of New York City, and so went home and wrote it for his children.

St. Nick came to be depicted as a jolly man in the more familiar red suit and white beard, and Harper's Weekly publisher Thomas Nast printed drawings that brought these images to the public. By this time, St. Nicholas' bishop's staff had become the more pagan candy cane. Other popular writers in the 1800s also published variations of the Santa Claus story, and by the 1890s, the first department store santas had emerged. By the 20th century, Santa Claus was here to stay.

http://www.souledout.org/christmas/santanicholas/santanicholas.html

Both are based on PAGAN TRADITIONS.

de connection is g*

Maxymilliano: The only correlation between Christmas and Santa is that Christmas, just like Santa has roots firmly enmeshed in pagan ideology, and Christianity itself is an offshoot of paganism for anyone who care to know.

fortunately santa is from st nicholas not pagan, an nobody on the thread has proved that xmax is pagan! Intarasting!