美国人关于圣诞老人的概念源于圣-尼古拉斯，他生于公元280年的小亚细亚。众所周知，他是个和蔼、慈善的人；确实，由于他的慷慨宽大而成为一位圣徒。

　　The concept of the American Santa Claus originated with St. Nicholas, who was born in Asia Minor in 280 A.D. He was known as a kind, benevolent man; indeed made a saint because of his generosity.

　　为了纪念圣-尼古拉斯，按照欧洲传统，12月6日就是交换圣诞礼物的日子，也标志着圣诞假期开始。

　　In honor of St. Nicholas, December 6 became the traditional day in Europe for the exchange of Christmas gifts and the beginning of the holiday season.

　　荷兰移民把他们关于赠送礼物的圣-尼古拉斯的形式带到了美国，他们的发音是“Sinter Klass”。美国人不习惯于荷兰发音，把他改为“Santa Claus”，这就是广受孩子们喜爱的、圣诞节标志性的圣诞老人

　　Dutch immigrants to the United States brought with them their version of the gift-giving St. Nicholas, known as Sinter Klass. Americans, unaccustomed to the Dutch pronunciation, turned this into Santa Claus, who is beloved as a symbol of Christmas by children of all ages.

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