According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, Santa Claus started with a real person, Saint Nicholas, a minor saint from the fourth century: Poor St. Nick lived a difficult life. Born in the ancient Lycian seaport city of Patara, he was imprisoned during the Roman emperor Diocletian's persecution of Christians but was released under the rule of Emperor Constantine the Great.
His reputation for generosity and kindness gave rise to legends of miracles he performed for the poor and persecuted. People from all over the world honored him. He became the patron saint of Russia and Greece. The legend of St. Nick came to the United States when Dutch colonists brought the traditions and folktales with them.
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