The concept of the American Santa Claus originated with St. Nicholas, who was born in Asia Minor in 280 A.D. He was known as a kind, benevolent man; indeed made a saint because of his generosity.
    為了紀(jì)念圣-尼古拉斯，按照歐洲傳統(tǒng)，12月6日就是交換圣誕禮物的日子，也標(biāo)志著圣誕假期開始。
    In honor of St. Nicholas, December 6 became the traditional day in Europe for the exchange of Christmas gifts and the beginning of the holiday season.
    荷蘭移民把他們關(guān)于贈(zèng)送禮物的圣-尼古拉斯的形式帶到了美國(guó)，他們的發(fā)音是“Sinter Klass”。美國(guó)人不習(xí)慣于荷蘭發(fā)音，把他改為“Santa Claus”，這就是廣受孩子們喜愛的、圣誕節(jié)標(biāo)志性的圣誕老人。
    Dutch immigrants to the United States brought with them their version of the gift-giving St. Nicholas, known as Sinter Klass. Americans, unaccustomed to the Dutch pronunciation, turned this into Santa Claus, who is beloved as a symbol of Christmas by children of all ages.