Everyone knows Santa Claus. You already have a picture in mind.

“Happy, white beard, wears a hat, loves red.” explained Heidi Wilken.

As the song goes, “Reindeer sleigh, come our way/Ho, ho, ho, cherry nose/Cap on head, suit that’s red/Special night, beard that’s white,” but where did Santa come from?

The name itself is Dutch; however,  Santa’s origins come from all across Europe and Asia.

Saint Nicholas was a Turkish Bishop in the Christian church. He was known for helping poor women and children. This legacy led him to sainthood in both the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches. On the eve of his feast day, December 6th, children would leave their shoes out and “he” would fill them with presents. Saint Nicholas Day is still celebrated in many cultures, however nowadays Old Saint Nick is synonymous with Santa Claus.

In tandem with Saint Nicholas came the story of Krampus. Krampus was an evil spirit and was known for punishing children if they had been bad. Overtime, Saint Nicholas’ story grew to include Krampus as his evil counterpart. If you were good, Saint Nicholas would bring presents. If you were bad, Krampus would punish you.

Odin is a Norse god of wisdom, war, and celebration. He’s often depicted with a long white beard and a big coat. Odin was also known for giving kids little gifts around his feast days. When the Norse beliefs became Christianized, Odin got popularized as Father Christmas. Over time that name became one of many nicknames for Santa Claus.

Hotei is a Japanese deity often associated with children and being jolly. Hotei is described as a plump man who is always around kids. He’s known for asking kids what they want and then gifting it to them. He is described as being very good with kids and caring deeply for them.

Befana is an Italian and Christian figure. Her story says that she followed the three wise men to the birth of Jesus because she wanted to give him gifts as well. When she got there, she was too late and wasn’t able to give him her gifts. Befana now goes around with a sack of toys flying from house to house, delivering presents to children.

All of these different people and deities melded and merged together to create the current picture of Santa Claus. Saint Nicholas’ gift giving and December holiday. Krampus’ distinction between naughty and nice. Odin’s long beard and coat. Hotei’s appearance and connection with children. Befana’s sack of toys and flying house to house. All their stories are so distinct, yet they are all recognizably Santa.

Kids around the world might never hear these names.

“I’ve only heard of Krampus and Saint Nicholas,” said Heidi.

Lilly asked, “Is Odin the guy from Thor?”

While these names may get lost to history, their impact, legacy, and traditions will live on through Santa Claus.