The name Santa Claus is a derived from the Dutch
Sinterklaas, which means Saint Nicholas. Nicholas was the Bishop of Myra, in modern day Turkey, during the fourth century AD. He was noted for the care of Children and the giving of gifts. Saint Nicholas traditionally appeared in bishoply attire, accompanied by helpers, asking about the behaviour of children during the past year before deciding whether they deserved a gift or not. By the 13th century Saint Nicholas was well known throughout the Netherlands, and the practice of gift-giving in his name spread to other parts of central and southern Europe. At the Reformation in 16th–17th century Europe, many Protestants changed the gift bringer to the 'Christ Child' or Christkindl, corrupted in English to Kris Kringle, and the date of giving gifts changed from December the 6th to Christmas Eve. In early depictions, Santa Claus was shown wearing Bishop's robes.
Father Christmas, a jolly, well nourished, bearded man who typified the spirit of good cheer at Christmas, predates the Santa Claus character and is first recorded in early 17th century England. However rather than being the bearer of gifts, Father Christmas was more associated with holiday merrymaking and drunkenness.
The many names seem to have become synonymous around 1920 at which time the appearance was also standardised.
source: Wikipedia
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In the UK you can order your child a
'letter from Santa' via the NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children) and help to support their cause.
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