Where did santa clause originate?
He was a 16th century, German, nobleman, saint, who used to give gifts and treats to the poor children nearby. He was bashful though, so he waited for them to go to sleep before he dropped the gifts off. (the big red bag, large belly, and long white beard, is accurate, I think.) His name was Clause which I think is German for Claude. Santa means saint (he was never called saint, as sainthood is bestowed long after death) Santa + Clause = Santa Clause. There is also a saint Nicholas who is the protector of children, and who may or may not be the same man. (Catholics -I think he was catholic- often take on additional, common, catholic names, later in life.
