This time of year, it seems the spirit of Christmas inspires more people to engage in acts of generosity and kindness. This shared uplifting spirit can largely be traced back to St. Nicholas, the real-life benevolent figure whose uplifting acts have transcended centuries to shape the modern-day icon we lovingly call Santa Claus.

Long before the era of red suits and reindeer, St. Nicholas roamed the streets of the Asia Minor city of Myra, in the 4th century, leaving a trail of goodwill in his wake. Known for secretly gifting coins to the needy and rescuing those in dire straits, St. Nicholas became a beacon of hope for the less fortunate.

Fast forward to the 19th century, and the legend of St. Nicholas had morphed into the iconic Santa Claus we cherish today. Clement Clarke Moore’s poem, “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” and the Coca-Cola advertisements of the 1930s further solidified Santa’s image as a plump, rosy-cheeked gift-giver with a heart as warm as his coat.

Santa Claus, the embodiment of joy and kindness, stands as a testament to the enduring power of good deeds. As we exchange gifts and share laughter during the holidays, let’s remember the humble beginnings of St. Nicholas and the uplifting spirit that inspired the evolution of our beloved Santa Claus. After all, spreading joy is the most magical gift of all!

Can’t get enough of Jolly Old St. Nick and Christmas traditions? Watch Small Town Christmas With Megan Alexander, where you’ll get a tour of some of America’s most festive Christmas celebrations and meet the people behind them, including a real-life Santa Claus who lives at the North Pole! You can stream Small Town Christmas on UP Faith & Family or watch a special Christmas Eve marathon on UPtv starting at 9 PM ET.