In this slide-accompanied lecture, food historian Peter G. Rose delves into the early history of the life of Saint Nicholas; explains the various changes in his veneration; and relates how he was brought to America by the Dutch in the 17th century, and again, transformed into Santa in the 19th century. The talk encompasses such subjects as literature, religion, the fine arts, and Dutch food ways to describe the extraordinary story of Saint Nicholas' generosity, which has had a lasting impact on American culture.