On the Christmas Eve millions of children throughout the world will be tucked in their beds while "visions of sugarplums dance in their heads." When they awake they will check their stockings to see if Santa Claus, the most beloved of Christmas symbols, has come to shower all the gifts and toys to make their Christmas something very unique.

Santa Claus has existed in many forms for many centuries. The history of Santa Claus traces its origin in the 3rd century AD when he was associated with a man called Saint Nicholas, the Bishop of Myra in Asia Minor, present day in Turkey. Legend has it that Saint Nicholas was famous for his charity and wisdom.

Pictures of a plump and kindly Santa Claus were first drawn by cartoonist Thomas Nast in the 1860s. From then this image of Santa Claus has become ingrained in the minds of the people throughout the world.

Story of Santa Claus
During the 3rd century AD, Nicholas was born to a wealthy Christian family in Patara, a place near Myra in present-day Turkey. Generous and pious he was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone who came his way. Very soon his good deeds were the talk of the town and many legends associated with him became popular. He became subject of many folktales and mythical fantasies. He later became the Bishop of Myra. As he was born to a wealthy family he had inherited a large property. He used to help the destitute, poor and the sick. At night he used to travel anonymously to find out if any of his parishioners are in need of help. During one such visit, he heard a family mourning over their misfortunes and poverty and how they were forced to sell the three poor sisters into slavery because their father was not able to offer a suitable dowry to them. Such was the pitiable condition of the family that they did not have even the basic necessities such as food and clothes.

In order to extricate the family from ignominy, Nicholas threw three purses of gold secretly into their home from the chimney at that very night. In the course of time his popularity became to increase and he became well known as the protector and the patron saint of children and sailors. His death anniversary is celebrated on 6th of December every year. The day is considered lucky to get married or buy things. His popularity kept on growing and by the Renaissance, he was counted as the most popular European saint, especially in Holland.

The popularity of St Nicholas reached the shores of America by the 18th century with the Dutch families, who knew him as 'Sinter Klaas', which later got transformed to 'Santa Claus'

Santa Claus, one of the most famous characters in the world, is also known as Saint Nicholas, Saint Nick, Father Christmas, Kriss Kringle, Santy or simply Santa.

Santa Claus is believed to live at North Pole or Lapland in Finland along with his wife, Mrs. Claus, his team of elves and reindeers. They keep a record of all good children all over the world and give them the requested gifts on Christian Eve.