The evolution of Santa Claus is inspired by the 4th century bishop, Saint Nicholas. The Greek Christian bishop was from Myra (now Demre), in present day Turkey, and was renowned for distributing gifts to the poor and needy. He was famous for his secret gift-giving, like putting gold bags in the stockings of three poor girls, putting coins in the shoes of people who left them outside, giving gifts to poor children and thus, became the inspiration for Santa Claus. The name ‘Santa Claus’ was derived from the Dutch term ‘Sinterklaas’.

Santa Claus has also been influenced by the German god Odin. He was a major god of the Germanic people prior to Christianization. According to legends, children would fill their boots with sugar, carrots or straw and place them near the chimneys for Sleipnir, Odin’s flying horse.

As a reward for these children, Odin would put some candies or gifts in place of Sleipnir’s food. And thus, the practice of hanging stockings or socks came into existence. Even after Christianity was adopted, this tradition survived in Germany, The Netherlands and Belgium, and became associated with Saint Nicholas. When the Dutch established their colony in USA, the practice of hanging stockings evolved in US, too.

In the pre-modern era, St. Nicholas and Sinterklaas merged with Father Christmas, the British character, to create the present day Santa Claus. The concept of Father Christmas in Britain dates back to 17th century, when he was portrayed as a well-nourished, jolly, bearded man, dressed in a long green fun-lined robe. There are many books and poems of 18th and 19th century which suggested his modern attributes like riding on a reindeer sleigh, entering through the chimney, carrying a bag full of toys, etc.

The modern image of Santa Claus is supposed to have been created by an artist Thomas Nast in the 19th century. But the popularity of Santa Claus was increased when his image appeared in the Coco Cola’s advertisement in 1930s. The image became so popular that there were urban legends suggesting that Coco Cola Company invented Santa Claus and that Santa wears red and white colored clothes, as Coco Cola used those colors to promote their brand. Many charity organizations also used Santa Claus’s character for fundraising and charity, which reinforced his image as the helper of the poor and needy.

Even today, Santa Claus remains a loved character among children and elder’s alike.