Instead, there was a cult of popularity among the faithful. St Nicholas was never canonized, as there was no process of canonization at that time. At age 90 he said, “Maybe I shouldn’t be doing this now I feel like I’ve got a little soul here who will grow up someday and possibly remember a few things.” Jim was Santa for so long, generations of families enjoyed the tradition of sitting on his lap and telling him what they wished for.
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He often surprised children as he spoke five languages. The years went on and thousands of children knew him as their Santa. He wrote a booklet titled, “It’s Fun to be a Real Santa Claus,” which tells the history of Santa Claus as well as providing training and tips to becoming Santa. In 1946, the Santa Claus theme park opened and Yellig was the star of the show. He also dressed the part and quickly became a fixture in the town of Santa Claus. He had been answering children’s letters for years and he needed help! In 1935, Yellig organized a group called the Santa Claus American Legion Post to help answer letters. Martin, was the postmaster in Santa Claus. A few years later he returned to his hometown of Mariah Hill. He loved playing the part, especially seeing how happy it made children.Īfter WWI, Yellig left the service and got married. They knew he was from the area of Santa Claus, Indiana, and thus nominated him to play Santa Claus. His ship was docked in Brooklyn and his shipmates had an idea to throw a party for underprivileged children in the area. It all started when he was in the Navy in 1914. For 68 of his 90 years Jim Yellig donned the red suit and transformed into Jolly old Saint Nick.