History – Sue The Wordsmith

From Saint Nicholas to Santa : The Origins of Christmas Cheer

Uncategorized / 2025, Author : Sue Babcock, Culture, History, Miscellaneous / December 6, 2025

Saint Nicholas began as a discreet 4th-century bishop known for helping the poor, but his legacy travelled across Europe and eventually transformed into the figure we now call Santa Claus. His feast day on December 6 still brings simple, warm traditions in many countries. His story shows how quiet kindness can shape entire cultures.

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Taiwan’s Quiet Role in the Shadow of the Opium Wars

Taiwan was not a battlefield of the Opium Wars, yet the conflicts set it on a new course. Once a frontier of the Qing Empire, it caught the attention of British, American, and French powers. From coal and camphor to naval blockades, the island’s story shifted as the ripple of war drew it into global contests.