Santa Claus: The Almost 100% True Story

The story of Santa’s origin and how he spread kindness throughout the land.

CHAPTER ONE

A long time ago, in a place less than a million miles away, there lived a man. There is something very, very special about this man.

This man is wealthy. But that’s not what makes him unique. Since the world began – well, almost – there have been many rich men.

But the man we are talking about is also very, very kind. And that’s what’s unique.

Very, very, very special.

This wealthy and kind man loves nothing more than secretly giving gifts to those around him. It makes him happy. Very very happy. But one day, he heard a story that made him sad.

Very, very sad.

CHAPTER TWO

A long time ago, in a place less than a million miles away, there were no opportunities for girls like boys. Some may say that not much has changed. But that’s a story for another day. And, anyhow, it wasn’t this that made this very rich and very, very kind man sad. Anyway, that’s not all. That’s this.

One of his neighbours – a very old and poor man – had three daughters. A long time ago, in a place less than a million miles away, no matter how poor the family was, they still had to pay for their daughter’s wedding. But this man could not afford the wedding of one daughter, let alone three daughters. And he’s very proud. Very, very proud. So, even though his three daughters have all found future husbands who love them, want them to pursue their dreams and don’t care about money, the whole family is still stuck.

And that made this very rich and very kind man sad. Because life is too precious to waste a day being stuck, and so this wealthy and very kind man came up with a plan.

CHAPTER THREE

On the first night, very wealthy and very, very kind people…

Do you know anything? Let’s call him Nicholas.

On the first night, Nicholas dropped a bag of gold down the chimney of a very, very old and very low-income family…

Do you know anything? Let’s call him Ned.

On the first night, Nicholas dropped a bag of gold down Ned’s chimney. The bag of gold fell into the stocking that Ned’s eldest daughter had hung by the fire to dry. There was just enough gold in her purse to pay for her wedding. And so she got married that day. A long time ago, in a place not a million miles away, people didn’t have long-term relationships.

On the second night, Nicholas dropped another bag of gold down Ned’s chimney. This time, the bag of gold fell into the stocking that Ned’s middle daughter had hung by the fire to dry. There was just enough gold in her purse to pay for her wedding. And so she got married that day.

On the third night, Ned wonders if the family’s secret benefactor will return. He thought the least he could do was say, “Thank you!” So he sat on the chair next to the fire and waited. But after two days of the wedding, Ned felt tired. Extremely tired. And his eyes started closing when he heard a noise on the roof. Ned rushes out and discovers Nicholas has dropped a third bag of gold down the chimney. There are no prizes for guessing that this time, the pack contains just enough gold to pay for Ned’s youngest daughter’s wedding.

“You have brought happiness to my family!” Ned shouted: “How can I repay you? Remember that I am very, very old and very…”

“Yeah, I see,” Nicholas replied. “But there are so many things you can share with others. The gift is lovely. But so is a kind word. A loving hug, a genuine smile, a helping hand. And sharing gifts like these will make our world a better and happier place.”

CHAPTER FOUR

Nicholas spent the rest of his life being very, very kind. So much so that when he died, he was honoured as a Saint. Saint Nicholas. Or Santa Claus, as he is known to more people today.

Of course, all of this happened a long time ago. A very, very long time ago. But you never know. Christmas is a magical time of year. And if you hang a stocking on Christmas Eve, Santa will find a way to leave something special just for you!

But remember: you don’t have to wait until Christmas to be nice!

Short Story for kids written by Isla McGuckin

Illustrations by Rawpixel, with thanks.

Let’s Chat About the Story – Ideas for Talking With Kids

Kindness

1. Why do you think being kind feels suitable for kind people?

2. Do you think that receiving kindness is also pleasant? Why?

3. What are some ways you can think of to spread joy and kindness among people at Christmas?