"Santa Claus" is actually a mispronunciation of the Dutch word "Sinterklaas" by the English settlers of New Amsterdam (later renamed New York). It is a variation of a Dutch folk tale based on the historical figure Saint Nicholas, a bishop from Myra in Asia Minor (the greater part of modern-day Turkey), who used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. In the Netherlands, Sint Nicolaas, Sinterklaas' eve is the occasion for gift-giving, when his alleged birthday — actually his name day, the day he died — is celebrated. In the Netherlands, the evening of December 5 (and thus the eve of 6 December, his name day), Sinterklaas is called pakjesavond, it is an evening where people give each other presents. These presents are called surprises. Traditionally, Sinterklaas brings presents to every child that has been good in the past year (in practice to all children). Sinterklaas wears a red bishop's dress including a red mitre, rides a white horse (called Americo) over the rooftops and assisted by helpers called zwarte piet. 'Sinterklaas' has a long white beard, holds a long gold coloured staff with a fancy curled top in his hand (a crosier) and carries a big book with all the children's names in it, and whether they have been good or bad.
Traditionally Saint Nicholas brings his gifts in the night. In The Netherlands adults started to give each other presents on the evening of the 5th; then older children were included and today in that country even the youngest take part in 'Sinterklaasavond' or 'Pakjesavond': children at home sing 'Sinterklaas' songs and suddenly somebody will knock on the door very loudly, and when they go to the door a gunny sack full of presents is found on the doorstep. Alternatively - some improvisation is often called for - the parents 'hear a sound coming from the attic' and then the bag with presents is 'found' there.
BTW, the current looks of Santa Claus -red cloak with white fur trimmings - was invented by the Coca-Cola company for advertising its drinks.
