Mason Gee-Montgomery

Mr. Salow
12/18/15
3rd
Santa Claus and St. Nicholas
The author attempts to explain who the real St. Nicholas is, but that it is also okay to
celebrate Santa Claus. The author tells the reader that the person St. Nicholas was a Christian
bishop that helped the homeless but did it in a stern way. He also states that it is okay to believe
in the Big Red Coat up north.
The article starts out with the author explaining the simple history behind jolly St. Nic the
fictitious gift giver that rides on a sled pulled by reindeer. He uses this first article to explain why
Santa is so popular and why everyone knows more about him rather than the real St. Nicholas.
The author does not exactly name St. Nicholas in the first paragraph but he does refer to him as
the saint who inspired him (him as in Santa Claus).
The author then tries to explain the real St. Nicholas and who he was. The author tells
the reader that St. Nicholas was a caring person that also helped the homeless and he also
defended the Christian doctrine. By telling the reader that he is caring and generous, the author
is trying to build sympathy and character for St. Nicholas. He also strongly believes in the
doctrine in Christianity. Using this, the author builds St. Nicholas beliefs by putting in the
reading that St. Nicholas is a very religious person.
In another paragraph, the author beings to describe when Santa Claus came into his
modern look. In 1920, Santa received his red coat, jolly frame, and his gift giving to good
children. The author describes how the image of St. Nicholas has changed from a feisty old
saint to a jolly old gift giving man. People now for the most part, do not see a church father.
They would rather see a fictional creature that brings joy, hope, and smiles to families instead.

The author then gives the reader optimism about the red suit fella. He explains why
having Santa Claus around is a good thing. Santa breeds hope, happiness, togetherness, and
most importantly faith. With the author showing this much positivity towards Santa, it must mean
that he supports what the mythical man stands for. The author feels that Santa gives children
hope and teaches them to not only dream big but to also treat others with respect and care.
In the concluding paragraph, the author firsts tell the reader to remind their kids about
the real St. Nic and about how he gave to the poor and helped those in need. He then allowed
for the kids to put out cookies and milk for their St. Nicholas. All in all, the author wants people
to celebrate Santa Claus, but he also wants people to understand the real St. Nicholas and what
he stood for.