Understanding the Concept of Santa Claus

The American version of St. Nicholas, or Santa Claus originally came from the Dutch version called Sint Klaas. The Dutch settlers in New Amsterdam (New York) brought this fun and lively tradition to America.

This version of Santa has given the current myth its visual form and these most curious traditions:

• A merry old man with red and white clothes and a white beard
• Eight flying reindeer pulling a sled, later joined by Rudolph, a red nosed reindeer.
• A home located on or near the North Pole run by elves.
• The habit of filling socks or stockings with presents on the night of December 24th.
• Also the habit of entering houses through the chimney.