To the west of Finike in Southern Anatolia, is a small and pretty village, DEMRE.  This place, situated on a flat valley is the home of Father Christmas.  We all know who this cheerful old man in the red clothes is.  He brings us lots of presents, to us children.  He knows we love him.

I'd like to tell you about this legendary character, who he is, where he was born, where he lived and died.

Father Christmas was born in Southern Anatolia in Patara in the 4th C. where he grew and became a legendary figure.

We know him as Father Christmas, Santa Claus and St. Nicholas.  He is known as the protector of children.  For some time he was bishop at Myra, Pinora and Demre and later became a Saint.  He died of old age.

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