270 AD, Nicholas was born to Nona and Theophanes in Patara, near Myra, known today to be in modern Turkey. Nicholas grew up to become the young Bishop of Myra. When as a young man, his parents died, leaving Nicholas with a substantial inheritance. Taking his inheritance, he anonymously gave it away to those that were in need. Even though Nicholas wanted his giving to be anonymous, he became widely known over the region for his generosity, especially towards children. Nicholas died on December 6th, 343 AD. Through-out the years, the spirit of giving continued, believing that this giving was being done by Nicholas. On June 5, 1446, Nicholas was canonized to Saint Nicholas, being recognized for his charitable giving to those in need. His legend of a kindly old man was united with Nordic folklore of a magician ascribed with supernatural power of bilocation and flying. Saint Nicholas, pronounced Sint Nikolaas in his region, was shortened to Sinter Klaas, (Santa Claus). Through the centuries, this magic has been passed down to fellow brothers, giving the reason why you see different Santa Claus’s carrying on the tradition of Christmas giving. While the Spirit of Santa Claus is over 1700 years old, my Mrs. Claus and myself are a mere 270 years old.