John Lucas

So, if yesterday (or last night, I suppose) was Krampusnacht, that makes today… what? You get one guess, and if that guess is “The feast day of Saint Nicholas, duh,” congratulations. (There is no prize apart from the satisfaction that comes from being able to say that you knew a thing.)

When we say “Saint Nick” these days, we’re usually referring to Santa Claus. Who, for the benefit of any children reading this, is definitely real. But who exactly was the original Saint Nicholas? He was an early Christian bishop born in what is now Turkey in the late third century. As is the case with most historical figures who lived that long ago, we don’t know that much about him, and most of we do think we know was probably made up (or at least heavily embellished) in the intervening centuries. Suffice to say that he worked wonders and miracles, which is the proper path to sainthood.

Well, that or being martyred. Which Saint Nicholas was not, having lived until the age of 73, which was considered very, very old in those days.

What does any of this have to do with Santa Claus? Well, Nicholas is the patron saint of children and toymakers, for a start. And one of the most famous stories told about him involves him secretly delivering gifts under the cover of night. Just like Santa!

(The gifts were sacks of money, and the recipient was a father of three daughters. Nick thought that the man could use the money for the girls’ dowries—rather than force the girls into prostitution, which might have been dear old dad’s original plan.)

Dutch settlers in the Americas brought their folkloric version of a gift-giving Saint Nicholas (Sinterklaas) with them, which eventually gave rise to the Santa Claus we all know and love today. Who is, of course, completely real and who, according to the Beach Boys, drives a rockin’ toboggan with a four-speed stick. Or words to that effect.

This song’s authors, Brian Wilson and Mike Love, also helpfully tell us that “Christmas comes this time each year.” For the benefit of those who needed reminding.