Essay: Santa, maybe? Why we have different names for who “hurries down the chimney’ on Christmas

In an article first published on The Conversation, linguist VALERIE M FRIDLAND looks at the origins of the various names for Santa Claus…
Saints of Past Ages: Santa Claus was inspired by a real figure who fought against miscarriages of justice

BRIAN THORNTON, in an article first published on The Conversation, looks at some lesser known incidents in the life of the Byzantine bishop born in what is today Turkey…
The Explainer: When is St Nicholas Day? And how did this Christian saint inspire the Santa Claus legend?

With St Nicholas’ Day commemorated around the world this week, LUIS ANDRES HENAO, of Associated Press, looks at who St Nicholas was and his connections with more modern Christmas celebrations …
Postcards: In Bari, Pope calls Mediterranean region to unity

CLAIRE GIANGRAVÉ, writing for Religion News Service, reports on why Pope Francis chose the Italian city of Bari as a “stage for ecumenical outreach”…
Essay: This Christmas tell your children the real Santa Claus story

In an article first published on The Conversation, LISA BITEL, a US-based historian and religions, looks at the story behind Santa Claus…
Essay: Technology, tradition and the invention of Christmas in 19th century New York

S BRENT RODRIGUEZ-PLATE, in an article first published on Religion News Service, reflects on the contribution New York has made to how Christmas is celebrated today…
Newly found tomb may be final resting place of St Nick, say Turkish archaeologists
A previously unknown tomb – which Turkish archaeologists say may contain the remains of St Nicholas, believed to be the inspiration for Santa Claus – has been discovered beneath the mosaic covered floor of a church in Turkey. The church where the tomb is located is in Demre, previously known as Myra, in the province of […]