I’m aware that he’s the basis of the modern Santa Claus (I’ve actually been to Demre), but I would argue that the modern Claus is a separate entity/concept at this point.
Agreed. In France they are considered two different entities. Nicolas was celebrated earlier than Christmas (6 December). This celebration never stopped in the North-East of France and with the revival of tradition-the-way-we-pictured-it-was-before of every thing related to holiday season it growing big in Alsace and Lorraine and it slowly spreading again.
People celebrate “Saint Nicolas” (Santa Claus) and expect the “Père Noël” Father Christmas while celebrating Christmas.
I’m aware that he’s the basis of the modern Santa Claus (I’ve actually been to Demre), but I would argue that the modern Claus is a separate entity/concept at this point.
Agreed. In France they are considered two different entities. Nicolas was celebrated earlier than Christmas (6 December). This celebration never stopped in the North-East of France and with the revival of tradition-the-way-we-pictured-it-was-before of every thing related to holiday season it growing big in Alsace and Lorraine and it slowly spreading again.
People celebrate “Saint Nicolas” (Santa Claus) and expect the “Père Noël” Father Christmas while celebrating Christmas.