Santa Claus, the jolly man in a red suit delivering gifts on a sleigh pulled by reindeer, is a well-recognized figure of the holiday season. However, the origins of this beloved character are steeped in history and folklore. Santa Claus traces back to St. Nicholas of Myra, a 4th-century Greek bishop known for his generosity. Over the centuries, his legend spread throughout Europe, eventually reaching the shores of America with Dutch immigrants who celebrated their version, Sinterklaas. America's modern Santa Claus began to take shape through literature. In the early 19th century, Washington Irving referred to St. Nicholas as the patron saint of New York in his book, 'A History of New York.' Later, Clement Clarke Moore's poem, 'A Visit from St. Nicholas,' introduced elements such as the sleigh and reindeer. The image of Santa Claus was further solidified by commercial influences in the 19th and 20th centuries. Stores began advertising Christmas shopping, and Santa Claus was widely used in these ads. Perhaps most notably, artist Haddon Sundblom's Coca-Cola advertisements portrayed Santa as a plump, jolly man in a red suit, which has largely stuck to this day. Beyond the holiday cheer and gift-giving, Santa Claus is a symbol of kindness and generosity. Although rooted in Christian legend, he has evolved into a character that transcends religious boundaries, embodying the universal spirit of goodwill during the holiday season.