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The Living Arts
St. Nicholas, Kris Kringle, and Papa Noel
by Marlene Buffa
Never officially canonized as a saint, Nicholas of Myra gained affection by secretly giving gifts to the townspeople. In the third century, his moniker, Nicholas the Wonderworker, reflected his many good deeds and contributions to his community in Myra, a Greek speaking province of Rome in what is now Turkey.
Kris Kringle, the reformulated name for Christkindl, or Christ’s Child, curiously arose from the machinations of Martin Luther in opposition to the Catholics’ own Saint Nicholas. Kris’ personification as an angelic, almost Nordic figure with light skin and blonde hair humanized him, yet he escaped detection and identification much like our modern Santa Claus. Like Nicholas, (a real person), Kris’ reputation for leaving gifts for children and families earned him endearment and respect among religious followers.
Papa Noel’s legacy came along in the 17th century and his legend continues in Latin countries, particularly in Spain. Similar to St. Nicholas and Kris Kringle, Papa Noel brings gifts to children on Christmas Eve. His memory lives on in New Orleans, probably due to the Spanish occupation there in the mid to late 18th century.
Today, we look to Santa Claus as the personification of sharing love and treasures with our children and family. The mystique of a stranger, albeit a friendly and loving one, entering our homes and leaving the perfect gifts carries with it a sense of childhood wonder.
So convinced was I of the reality of Santa Claus that I would lie in bed believing I heard reindeer hoofs on the roof and jingle bells ringing in cadence. I recall thinking that if I got out of bed and peeked, somehow they would disappear, and I’d never get any presents!
We accept as truth so many beliefs in our lives that we either made up or were told to us by others. Our hesitancy in questioning the validity of our stories comes from our unwillingness to give up our notions of truth and to face the possibility of being confronted with nothing.
This Christmas, base the truth of who you are in the magic of your power to manifest it into your life. Connect with the source, and know your greatness is no myth. Jingle the bells, stomp your feet, dance across the roofs, and live your life! Draw the spirit of Christmas into your own heart. When you understand that you are your own Santa Claus, you enjoy the example of St. Nicholas, Kris Kringle and Papa Noel all year round.