The document discusses how St. Nicholas, a lean and tall Christian saint, transformed into the roly-poly Santa Claus in American tradition. It notes that Americans could not pronounce the German words for St. Nicholas ("Sankt Niklaus") and this led to the name "Santa" being adopted. It then lists some of the key physical and traditional differences between St. Nicholas and Santa Claus, such as their clothing, mode of transportation, appearance dates, and animal companions.

1. How did the kindly Christian saint
become a roly- poly Santa?
Here’s a possible answer:
The Americans couldn’t pronounce
German words Sankt Niklaus, and
that’s how Santa was born.

2.  St. Nicholas is tall
and lean, whereas
Santa has a pretty
large belly.
 St. Nicholas wears
bishop’s clothes, a
bishop’s hat- a
miter, and a crozier.
 Santa is always in a
red suit, with soft
white fur.

3.  St. Nick used to walk
on the Earth, while
Santa usually flies in
a sleigh.
 St. Nicholas day is on
the 19th
December, while
Santa usually appears
at New Year in
Serbian tradition, and
at Christmas in
Western cultures.

4.  The donkey belongs to
Nicholas, and the reindeer
belong to Santa. Santa
comes from the North
pole, and Nicholas comes
from a place Myra, what’s
now Turkey.

5.  Nick gives his
presents secretly,
and Santa acts
like a film star.

6.  What is their mutual message?
 Be kind and helpful to your friends and family,
and remember that it is greater happiness to
give presents than to receive them!