<P> Santa Claus, also known as Saint Nicholas, Kris Kringle, Father Christmas, or simply Santa, is a legendary figure originating in Western Christian culture who is said to bring gifts to the homes of well - behaved ("good" or "nice") children on Christmas Eve (24 December) and the early morning hours of Christmas Day (25 December). The modern Santa Claus grew out of traditions surrounding the historical Saint Nicholas (a fourth - century Greek bishop and gift - giver of Myra), the British figure of Father Christmas and the Dutch figure of Sinterklaas (himself also based on Saint Nicholas). Some maintain Santa Claus also absorbed elements of the Germanic god Wodan, who was associated with the pagan midwinter event of Yule and led the Wild Hunt, a ghostly procession through the sky . </P> <P> Santa Claus is generally depicted as a portly, joyous, white - bearded man--sometimes with spectacles--wearing a red coat with white fur collar and cuffs, white - fur - cuffed red trousers, a red hat with white fur and black leather belt and boots and who carries a bag full of gifts for children . This image became popular in the United States and Canada in the 19th century due to the significant influence of the 1823 poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas" and of caricaturist and political cartoonist Thomas Nast . This image has been maintained and reinforced through song, radio, television, children's books, films, and advertising . </P>

Where did the tradition of santa clause come from