Do you know the real identity of Santa Claus?

BY A STAFF REPORTER: When you think of Christmas, the first thing that comes to mind is Santa Claus. This is the biggest attraction of Christmas. Santa Claus is especially loved by children. But none of us may know the real identity of Santa Claus. Let's find out. Santa Claus is believed to reside at the North Pole. On Christmas day, he brings gifts to the children in a reindeer-drawn sleigh. But behind this Santa Claus is a real saint. His real name is Saint Nicholas. But how he rose from the North Pole to the gift-giving jovial figure he is today is a fascinating story in itself.

Santa Claus has several nicknames. The English call him Father Christmas, the French know him as Pere Noel. In American English, 'St. Nicholas' comes as "Santa Claus". Saint Nicholas and Santa Claus are the same person. But he came from the North Pole on a sledge. Santa Claus i.e. Saint Nicholas actually comes from the Mediterranean coast.

According to medieval texts, Nicholas was born into a Christian family around 260 AD. He was born near the city of Myra, now Demre, on the southwest coast of modern Turkey. At the time, Christianity was illegal under the Roman Empire.

He studied to become a priest and spent time in prison for his faith. After Emperor Constantine legalized Christianity, Nicholas was elected bishop of Myra. During his lifetime he became famous for defending his people against imperial taxes and other forms of oppression.