Santa Claus is the jolly, gift-giving figure who appears in Christmas celebrations around the world. According to tradition, Santa lives at the North Pole with his wife, Mrs. Claus, and a workshop full of elves who help make toys. On Christmas Eve, he travels the world in a sleigh pulled by flying reindeer, delivering presents to children by sliding down chimneys.

The modern Santa Claus grew from stories about Saint Nicholas, a real person who lived about 1,700 years ago in what is now Turkey. Nicholas was a bishop known for his generous gifts to people in need, especially children. Over centuries, different cultures added their own touches to his story: the red suit, the reindeer, the North Pole workshop, and the famous “Ho ho ho!” laugh.

Many families enjoy the tradition of Santa Claus as part of their Christmas celebration. Children write letters to Santa listing their wishes, leave out cookies and milk on Christmas Eve, and wake up to find presents under the tree. Parents often use the tradition playfully, telling children that Santa keeps a list of who's been “naughty or nice.”

Americans also call him Saint Nick, Father Christmas, or Kris Kringle.