The historical roots of Santa Claus, go
very deep in the past. Santa is actually a combination of
many different legends and mythical creatures from a variety
of cultures, symbolizing the "Spirit of Christmas."
Reportedly, the American version of Santa Claus received its
inspiration and name from the Dutch legend of Sinter Klaas,
brought by settlers to New York in the 17th century.
In American tradition, Santa Claus lives at the North Pole,
where his Christmas-gift and toy workshop, manned by elves, is
located.
On the night before Christmas, our fat and jolly old Santa
Claus, his white beard, red jacket, and cap, travels the
world in his sleigh, pulled by eight reindeer. St. Nick
mysteriously pops down chimneys and into homes, leaving gifts
for children in stockings hung on the mantelpiece and
underneath decorated Christmas trees.
By the way, in case you're wondering, the first reported
Christmas tree, an evergreen, was at a celebration in Town Hall
Square in Riga Latvia, circa 1510.
