(I mean, this being New York, chances are good that he's not Christian, but still. Wow.)
(The mailman, not Santa Claus. Who probably is Christian.)
A tiny (or not so) Jewish Santa. In the flesh. Under clothing, of course.
In a more or less pagan way, yeah.
How so? I'm not Catholic, so I don't have much experience in hagiography, but I'd never heard this. I know many/most of the Christmas traditions of Europe were first part of the celebration of solstice, but as far as I knew, Nicholas is a Christian saint.
(The mailman, not Santa Claus. Who probably is Christian.)
I think Santa just checked the "Christian" box to make it easier to get through customs.
ION, from Jessica's link:
To paraphrase Stephen Stills, shalt thou not get the crap you want, want the crap you get.
Heh.
Hooray for the kindly postman!
You're right -- Nicholas is definitely a Christian saint, and a historical figure. What I was getting at (and snarking a bit, and failing, and my apologies), is that Santa Claus isn't just St. Nicholas, and isn't even associated with Nicholas in a lot of places (He's sometimes St. Martin, or St. Basil, or Odin) and gift-giving father-figures at Solstice go way, way back.
Another of those instances where the modern holiday is layered over older practices, and I clearly need more coffee.
You're right -- Nicholas is definitely a Christian saint, and a historical figure. What I was getting at (and snarking a bit, and failing, and my apologies), is that Santa Claus isn't just St. Nicholas, and isn't even associated with Nicholas in a lot of places (He's sometimes St. Martin, or St. Basil, or Odin) and gift-giving father-figures at Solstice go way, way back.
Oh. Duh. I new he might be legendary, but I didn't even see that connection.
Coffee sounds like an excellent suggestion. I know my body actually needs water. It's fairly crying out for water, but my brain is closer to my ears and is fairly SCREAMING for caffeine.
Perkins--I can grab you some pies if you want. I wasn't thinking yesterday.
I wouldn't say no, if you were going anyway.
I would say thanks though.
We used to have a llama Christmas ornament.I don't know what happened to it/her.
Merry Christmas!
And have a great Sunday to people who are celebrating other things(I think this is actually Hanukkah day one this year...If I am right have a nice one.)
To you and Matt as well, Beth.
I hope I get to see you next weekend. It's been too long.
