Naval Hospital Bremerton, Washington. (December 12, 2023): To many Americans, Father Christmas and Santa Clause are one and the same. History, however, tells a different story. In this photo by Douglas Stutz, Father Christmas is surrounded by hospital staff as they gather for a tree lighting ceremony to commemorate the trilogy of light, faith, and hope that embodies the holiday season. What many do not know is that Father Christmas and Santa Claus are entirely separate people with distinct histories.

The legend of Father Christmas goes back centuries and was first introduced to England after the Norman invasion in 1066. Originally a pagan figure celebrated by adults, Father Christmas became centered on the welfare of children during the Victorian Era. Legend has it that a local merchant, to gain the attention of a fair maiden, began dropping gold coins down her chimney thus beginning the legend of Father Christmas delivering presents that way. The trimming of trees and decorating houses with holly can also be traced to this era as can the practice of placing a star or angel atop the Christmas tree.

Santa Clause, on the other hand, can be traced back to St. Nicolas, a Christian who lived in 280 A.D. in Patara, Lycia, an area that is part of present-day Turkey. He lost both of his parents as a young man and reportedly used his inheritance to help the poor and sick. Centuries after his death, the legend of St. Nick was transported to the United States by Dutch settlers who called him “Sinter Klass” and the practice of giving children Christmas presents in America was born.

Naval Hospital Bremerton is an acute care facility that serves the third largest Navy fleet concentration in the world. Its staff takes extra pains this time of year to lift the spirits of patients and their families.