Everyone across the world, of course, knows the legend of Santa Claus – or Saint Nicholas, as he was first known. Born in Myra – a city in modern-day Turkey – this 4th-century Greek bishop was well-known for his piety and generosity, particularly towards children. For centuries now, Santa Claus, who, today, lives at the North Pole, delivers toys and goodies to children all around the world every Christmas Eve.

The intriguing part about Saint Nicholas’ story is that few people know that Nicholas had a younger brother. His name was Robert, and like his brother, he, too, became a bishop. And while Robert was, certainly, much lesser known than his older brother, he did gain a fine reputation for being a very celebratory man, throwing extravagant birthday parties for every parishioner who lived in his area. In 353 A.D., one year after his passing, Father Robert was nominated for sainthood, and on January 1, 354 A.D. Saint Nicholas’ brother, Robert, was awarded the title: Saint Robert.

Now, as we all know, there were some magical powers that kept Saint Nicholas alive, long after his “earthly” death on December 6, 343 A.D., for today, he still lives – taking up residence at the North Pole, and coming out, once a year, on Christmas Eve. Well, those same powers that keep his brother, Nicholas, alive, keep Saint Robert alive today as well. And since the North Pole was a bit over-crowded – and if truth be known, Robert still struggles a bit with being the younger brother of the world-renowned Santa Claus – Bob, as his friends call him, set up shop in Buffalo, New York. And it’s from his workshop here in up-state New York where Robert has long been known as Birthday Bob from Buffalo.

Now, as we said, many people are not aware of his work, but in all honesty, Bob keeps much busier than his older brother! That’s because he and his team of co-workers – lovingly called Bob’s Busy Bees of Buffalo – are constantly monitoring children’s birthdays around the world, and on birthday eve, Birthday Bob, and one of his helper Bees – dressed, of course, in their Birthday Suits, drops into your home, and leaves a little Birthday Surprise for the Birthday Boy or Girl. Now, the situation can vary depending on location, but usually Birthday Bob will drop that Birthday surprise off in your Basement – if you have one. For years, Bob tried slipping the gift under a child’s pillow, but he found that, many times, this would interfere with the good work of The Tooth Fairy.

So, there you have it. The Legend of Birthday Bob and his Busy Bees of Buffalo. My hope is that, now you know the story, you’ll remember Bob in your thoughts and prayers. As we said, he struggles a bit with that younger child syndrome, so his push to keep up with his older brother from the North Pole can drive Bob a bit bonkers at times!

So, Birthday Bob – here’s a BIG toast to you and your un-ending efforts to make everyone’s Birthday as memorable as your own!

Yours truly,

Marty Boller

PS – as you can see from the link below, Birthday Bob also picks up some spare cash working as the New Years Baby on New Years Eve…