He makes his list and checks it twice, at least that’s what many people think Santa does in his spare time. When he’s not hand crafting toys or checking up on all the little boys and girls he’s flying his magical sleigh and dropping through chimneys. But does this modern conception of “Santa Claus” actually reflect any truth as to his real origins or is it all just a modern attempt at capitalism?

Santa Claus, Kris Kringle, Father Christmas, Saint Nicholas, what’s Santa’s actual name? In American culture he shows up everywhere around Christmas time. Posters, Billboards and most of all Department stores and basically stores of any and all kinds. According to history, the name Kris Kringle is a variation of Christkindl or Christ Child. The figure was created by Martin Luther to discourage the popularity of the gift bringer St. Nicholas who was gaining more popularity than Christ himself at the time.

Father Christmas, a prominent English figure is a fictional figure associated with Christmas time. Rather than his sole purpose being to bring gifts, Father Christmas is seen as the spirit of good cheer. Although there are some similarities to good old Santa Claus and Father Christmas, like his red suit and white beard or his residing at the North Pole.

Probably the oldest of these figures, Saint Nicholas has a solid background in Catholicism and is the most obvious model for Santa Claus. Common folklore tells of him bringing good fortune to the needy and secretive gift giving. An example is that he is said to leave coins and small treasures in the shoes of those who left them out for him on a certain day.

The most common name for the bearded man, Santa Claus, comes prominently from places like the Netherlands and Belgium. Santa Claus, or traditionally Sinterklaas, is an old white bearded man. He wears a long red cape over a traditional bishop’s clothing. Along with a Shepard’s staff, he carries a big book that tells whether each individual child has been good or naughty in the past year. With him travels a servant by the name of Zwarte Piet. Dressed as a seventeenth century page, Piet carries a bag of candy for good children and a broom made of branches to spank the naughty children. Some say he also does some of Sinterklaas’ dirty work and drops through chimneys delivering presents to children.

It’s clear to see that the Modern conception of Santa Claus comes from many different cultures and places around the world. It seems pretty easy to forget why Christmas or any other holiday is celebrated when gifts are involved. It’s important though to think of what the holiday season means to you. Whether it’s waiting for the jolly bearded guy to deliver the gifts, to participate in religious traditions or to share the holiday season with family and friends. No matter what you celebrate or believe in, enjoy the season.