The man down the street thinks Santa Claus is a Republican.

He sees Santa as an inspiration, as a poster boy for the American directive, "America, Go Shopping." To comply is to be patriotic. History has recorded the voice of the Republican president that advised the public to go shopping after the 9/11 attack. Even with the passage of time and contemplative thought, it is difficult to understand how shopping would heal the wounds and soothe fears. It must be a political party secret.

When I mentioned this observation to the man down the street, he said, "Ho, ho, ho," as he went on his way.

With Santa's early appearance every year as a poster boy, recognizable in his red clothes, he still remains a mysterious figure. Are little children puzzled by the sight of so many Santas in so many different sizes, in so many places, as we were in times past? Sometimes I think today's young folks know Santa Claus is a fictitious figure, but are smart enough to play the adult's game with them, especially when the rewards, gift wrapped, are worth the time.

And where does the fellow named St. Nicholas fit in? His name is not mentioned now as often as it was when I was growing up. St. Nicholas appeared, looking very much like Santa Claus, at our home Dec. 6.

As the first American-born children of Bohemian immigrants, my sister and I shared the colorful culture mores of Europe. It included welcoming St. Nicholas on his feast day, Dec. 6. The heavy stomping of his boots on the porch and the sound of sleigh bells on that day signaled his appearance. He really looked a lot like Uncle Tom.

It was a time when being a good girl or boy was strongly encouraged. Helen and I were very proud to each receive the gift of a fresh orange that was a rarity in winter during those years. Cousin Otto, who I remember being a good boy most of the time, nevertheless received a large piece of coal as a token of his previous year's behavior. St. Nicholas also brandished a whip of sticks that was never used, but was weaved about threateningly.

It was a time of family laughter and love. I don't remember celebrating Dec. 25 in my very early years.

Today's mythical Santa Claus developed, in about 300 A.D., from a real person, St. Nicholas. He lived in an area that is now in the country of Turkey.

According to legend, he became a bishop at a very early age, and was extremely kind, often taking gifts to the homes of the needy at night. After his death, St. Nicholas became the saint of schoolboys. His fame spread throughout Europe, and was celebrated. Dutch settlers brought that custom to the new country of America. English settlers eagerly accepted the legend of the kindly St. Nicholas. The Dutch name, St. Nicholas, with usage eventually became Santa Claus.

For hundreds of years, the people of Europe celebrated the feast of St. Nichols on Dec. 6, the anniversary of his death.

After the Protestant Reformation in Germany and Switzerland, St. Nicholas was replaced by the Christ child, called Kristkende. From that name came the character called Kris Kringle. In England, St. Nicholas Day was banned when King Henry VIII established the Church of England. The event was restored by Queen Victoria, who had married a German prince and whose country still celebrated St. Nicholas Day.

Santa Claus "appears" on Dec. 25, in the United States and other countries, notably Canada, England and Australia, to bring gifts and Christmas cheer to mark the birth of Jesus Christ.

Christmastime at retail stores accounts for about one-third of the year's profits. Important people attended important meetings the last few weeks in an attempt to find the remedy for the present devastating worldwide economic slump. As a result, trillions of dollars are readily flowing many directions to "bail out" those groups that are principally responsible for the problem.

Many of this country's people are experiencing severe financial problems that were not brought out by their actions.

I say, let us join voices in requesting that Congress designate St. Nicholas Day as another "Go Shopping Day" and allocate several trillion dollars to John and Mary Q. Public for their effort to improve the economics of this country. They have proven their ability to shop a lot and keep cash registers busy. Meanwhile, Happy St. Nicholas Day to you on Dec. 6.

Blanche Murtagh is a longtime Portage resident and activist who has had many of her stories published.