Almost everyone’s favorite time of year is approaching faster than many of us realize. Snow storms, giving and receiving presents, and of course Santa Claus, the holiday’s posterchild. Christmas time creates unmatched feelings of gratefulness and excitement, and many look forward to it as the most wonderful time of the year. Christmas wouldn’t have its magical vibe without St. Nicholas, and his existence and perseverance as a cultural icon has had a profound effect on the modern world.

St. Nicholas was believed to be born around A.D 280 as a kind monk. Legends surfaced of St. Nic saving women from prostitution and sharing his vast wealth with the needy. The legend increased in popularity over time, and he was known as a protector for children. He died on December 6 and soon after the yearly tradition began of celebrating his legacy.

St. Nic’s influence eventually expanded to American culture towards the end of the 18th century, and the name “Santa Claus” came to be following the dutch variation “Sinter Klaas”. Santa began appearing in shopping malls for children’s entertainment, and the Salvation Army used Santa to build money for Christmas meals for needy families. Santa has since been an integral part of the Salvation Army, sitting next to the entrance and ringing his bell for holiday cheer.

Santa has brought a lot of joy to kids all over the world, but his presence has also brought discrimination and inferiorization to those who don’t celebrate Christmas. Santa’s white, European appearance is limited to those who fit that description, and his appearance can create space for ostriciation for colored kids. Santa’s depiction in the media affects our perception of the holiday as well, associating him with the religious purpose of the holiday and convuluting its message.

Though these things are true, the joy Santa has brought is undeniable, and an inclusive depiction that involves children of all demographics would be the most honest to the legacy of Santa Clause.