Santa Claus is a legendary figure who is the traditional patron of Christmas in the United States and other countries, bringing gifts to children. His popular image is based on traditions associated with Saint Nicholas, a 4th-century Christian saint.
The legend of Santa Claus can be traced back hundreds of years to a monk named St. Nicholas. It is believed Nicholas was born sometime around A.D. 280 in Patara, near Myra in modern-day Turkey.