In the Netherlands Santa Claus came close to being the most popular gift giving character, but luckily Sinterklaas (saint nicolas) defended his territory well, and still reigns.
Try to explain that to your children.
Anyway Sinterklaas finally is a bit more real in the fact that according to Christians he really existed. (Some time ago I saw statues of him on the facade of a church in Sardegna).
But maybe in 1000 years also Santa Claus becomes 'real' for a group of people.
I wonder actually how the Sinterklaas fest in the Netherlands became popular.
edit: after a quick look at wikipedia....indeed Sinterklaas as modern childrens fest became probably only in use after 1850......so maybe Santa Claus is older after all.
Try to explain that to your children.
Anyway Sinterklaas finally is a bit more real in the fact that according to Christians he really existed. (Some time ago I saw statues of him on the facade of a church in Sardegna).
But maybe in 1000 years also Santa Claus becomes 'real' for a group of people.
I wonder actually how the Sinterklaas fest in the Netherlands became popular.
edit: after a quick look at wikipedia....indeed Sinterklaas as modern childrens fest became probably only in use after 1850......so maybe Santa Claus is older after all.