19 key words from the article (reference)
a vehicle on runners, pulled by animals, used for traveling over snow
"He travels by a sleigh which is pulled by eight flying reindeer."
small mythical creatures, often shown as Santa's helpers who make toys
"He carries a large bag full of toys which were made by the elves."
a vertical pipe or structure that lets smoke escape from a fireplace, usually through a roof
"He enters houses through the chimney or with his magic key which can open any locked door."
public processions, often celebratory, that move through the streets
"You can find Santa Claus in parades and at every mall or shopping center."
a traditional story, sometimes based on real events, passed down over generations
"The legend of Santa Claus can be traced back hundreds of years to a Greek bishop named Saint Nicholas."
a senior member of the Christian clergy who oversees a district of churches
"The legend of Santa Claus can be traced back to a Greek bishop named Saint Nicholas."
regarded with respect and warm approval
"He was admired for his devotion to God and kindness to people."
great love, loyalty, or commitment to something
"He was admired for his devotion to God and kindness to people."
a widespread outbreak of an infectious disease affecting many people at once
"His wealthy parents died in an epidemic while Nicholas was still young."
lacking basic necessities of life; very poor
"Obeying Jesus' words to help the poor and needy, Nicholas gave away his inheritance."
money or property received from someone who has died
"Nicholas gave away his inheritance to assist the sick and the suffering."
without concern for one's own interests; unselfishly
"He gave away all his wealth selflessly, never asking for anything in return."
the quality of being kind and giving freely to others
"Saint Nicholas became known throughout the land for his generosity to those in need."
the state of being owned by and forced to work for another person
"He saved three poor sisters from being sold into slavery by their father."
money or property given by a bride's family at her marriage
"He saved three poor sisters from slavery by giving them a dowry so that they could be married."
long knitted coverings for the foot and leg, often hung at Christmas
"The gold dropped into the girls' stockings that were hanging by the fireplace to dry."
women who belong to a religious community and have taken vows of devotion
"A group of French nuns began leaving candy and gifts outside the doors of children in need."
assumed control or responsibility for something
"These traditions of gift-giving were taken over by the parents of each home."
connected or linked with something in people's minds
"These traditions later became associated with modern day Christmas and the now famous Santa Claus."