Who is Santa Claus any way?

My childhood memories are sweet and funny…I love holidays as other children do and most of all I love Santa Clause. I still remember the coca-cola advertisement, the lyrics of the song goes like this...Holidays are coming, holiday are coming and then the train approaches where Santa rides and blink as he drink a coke. I really love that advertisement because I can see the face of Santa. I am now 22 years old and still love Santa clause. But who is Claus any way?

also known as Saint Nicholas, Father Christmas, Kris Kringle, or simply "Santa", is a historical, legendary and mythical figure who, in Western cultures, is described as bringing gifts on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, or on his feast day, December 6. The legend may have its basis in hagiographical tales concerning the historical figure of Saint Nicholas.

The modern depiction of Santa Claus as a fat, jolly man (or elf) wearing a red coat and trousers with white cuffs and collar, and black leather belt and boots, became popular in the United States in the 19th century due to the significant influence of caricaturist and political cartoonist Thomas Nast. This image has been maintained and reinforced through song, radio, television, and films. In the United Kingdom and Europe, his depiction is often identical to the American Santa, but he is commonly called Father Christmas.

One legend associated with Santa says that he lives in the far north, in a land of perpetual snow. The American version of Santa Claus lives at the North Pole, while Father Christmas is said to reside in Finland. Other mythological details include: he is married and lives with Mrs. Claus; that he makes a list of children throughout the world, categorizing them according to their behavior; that he delivers presents, including toys, candy, and other presents to all of the good boys and girls in the world, and sometimes coal or sticks to the naughty children, in one night; and that he accomplishes this feat with the aid of magical elves who make different kinds of toys, and flying reindeer who pull his sleigh.

What ever and who ever Santa Clause is, He is still the number one hero and favorite of millions of children around the world.