The story of Santa Claus, also known as St. Nicholas, Sinterklaas, or Kris Kringle, has evolved over time and varies depending on the culture and country in which it is told.
According to one popular version of the story, Santa Claus is based on a real person named St. Nicholas, who was a bishop in the early Christian Church. St. Nicholas was born in the 4th century in modern-day Turkey and was known for his generosity and kindness, particularly towards children. He is the patron saint of children, sailors, and merchants, among others.
Over time, the legend of St. Nicholas evolved and merged with other holiday traditions, such as the Dutch tradition of Sinterklaas and the German tradition of Kris Kringle. In the United States, the modern image of Santa Claus was popularized by the 1823 poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas" (commonly known as "The Night Before Christmas") and by Haddon Sundblom's Coca-Cola advertisements in the 1930s, which depicted Santa Claus as a jolly, plump man in a red suit.
Today, the story of Santa Claus is an enduring part of holiday traditions around the world, with many children eagerly anticipating his arrival on Christmas Eve to deliver gifts to good boys and girls.