The tradition of Santa Claus, also referred to as Father Christmas or Saint Nicholas, originated from Dutch Culture and the early Christian church. In the 4th century, Saint Nicholas was a bishop in the city of Myra, which is modern-day Turkey and was known for his generosity and kindness, especially towards children.

Saint Nicholas became known for secretly leaving gold coins in the shoes of poor children. Today, the tradition of leaving empty stockings for Santa to fill with gifts is based on this tale.

Dutch settlers brought the stories of Saint Nicholas with them to the United States in the 17th century. In 1773, the American press coined the English version of his name, Santa Claus.

The poem, “A Visit from St. Nicholas” or more commonly known as “The Night Before Christmas” was written by Clement Clark Moore in 1820. The poem became popular and established the image of Santa Claus who travels in a sleigh pulled by reindeer and delivers gifts to children on Christmas Eve in a red suit.

Once Coca-Cola began using Santa Claus in their advertising in the late 1800s and early 1900s, the image of Santa Claus was further established. In the Coca-Cola advertisements, Santa Claus was portrayed as happy, plump man in a red suit with white fur trim. Coca-Cola’s depiction of Santa Claus, holding a Coke bottle in hand, has become an iconic image associated with Christmas. Coca-Cola’s version of Santa Claus is considered by many to be the “official” Santa Claus.

In 1964, Santa Claus was famously depicted in the stop-motion animated television special “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” In this animated film, Santa Claus is shown as a wise and kind leader who values everyone, regardless of differences. This film further popularized the persona of Santa Claus as a kind, beloved figure.

There are also many modern movie representations of Santa Claus including the movie franchise “The Santa Clause,” which stars Tim Allen as a man who becomes Santa Claus on accident. Another film is “The Nightmare Before Christmas” which depicts Santa Claus as a darker, more twisted version of himself.

Santa Claus continues to be an adored figure around the world, loved for his generosity and kindness for children. The tradition of Santa Claus began with the legend of Saint Nicholas in the 4th century and has continued to evolve the more that different depictions of him are created. Santa Claus is a symbol of the heart of humanity, and reminds us to remain generous and kind towards those around us.