The Real Santa

Santa Claus is based on a real historical person.

The figure we now call Santa Claus traces back to Saint Nicholas of Myra, a real Christian bishop who lived in the 3rd–4th century (around 270–343 AD) in what is now Turkey.

Who Was Saint Nicholas?

He was known for his generosity, especially toward children and the poor.

Many legends claim he secretly gave gifts, left coins in shoes, and helped families in need.

After his death, his reputation spread across Europe, and he became the patron saint of children, sailors, and travelers.

How the Myth Evolved

Over many centuries, different cultures merged stories about Saint Nicholas with their own winter traditions:

Dutch settlers in America brought the name Sinterklaas, which became Santa Claus.

The modern depiction (red suit, white beard, reindeer, North Pole) evolved gradually, especially in the 19th and 20th centuries, through poems, illustrations, and advertising.

Magical North Pole Santa: A cultural evolution built from many traditions.

holiday colors

Christmas is associated with red and green due to a combination of ancient traditions, religious symbolism, and commercial influence. Green comes from evergreen plants that symbolize eternal life, while red is often linked to the blood of Christ and is also seen in holly berries. These colors were further popularized in the 20th century, notably through a series of Coca-Cola advertisements that depicted Santa Claus in a red suit against a green background. 

Traditional and religious symbolism

Green: Symbolizes eternal life and rebirth because of evergreen trees, which stay green throughout the winter.

Red: Represents the blood of Jesus Christ. Holly berries, with their red color against the green leaves, are also thought to symbolize the crown of thorns worn by Christ.

Ancient connections: Some traditions suggest roots in ancient pagan celebrations, such as the Roman winter solstice festivals, where holly was used to bring good fortune and color into homes during the winter. 

Modern influences

Coca-Cola Santa:

 In 1931, artist Haddon Sundblom created a series of popular advertisements for Coca-Cola, featuring a jolly Santa Claus in a red suit.

Popularization of red and green: These advertisements were highly successful and helped to standardize the image of Santa Claus, cementing the use of the red and green color combination in the public's mind during Christmas, particularly in the United States.