Happy Advent

On this first day of Advent, let us consider the difference between Santa Claus(fiction) and St. Nicholas (fact).

Santa Claus belongs to childhood;

St. Nicholas models for all of life.
Santa Claus, as we know him, developed to boost Christmas sales—the commercial Christmas message;

St. Nicholas told the story of Christ and peace, goodwill toward all—the hope-filled Christmas message.
Santa Claus encourages consumption;

St. Nicholas encourages compassion.
Santa Claus appears each year to be seen and heard for a short time;

St. Nicholas is part of the communion of saints, surrounding us always with prayer and example.
Santa Claus flies through the air—from the North Pole;

St. Nicholas walked the earth—caring for those in need.
Santa Claus, for some, replaces the Babe of Bethlehem;

St. Nicholas, for all, points to the Babe of Bethlehem.
Santa Claus isn't bad;

St. Nicholas is just better.

Taken from: http://www.stnicholascenter.org/Brix?pageID=36