In some lands it is the Christ Child who is believed to distribute gifts and blessings, although the name Kris Kringle, a popular variation of the German word "Christkindel" — which means "Christ Child" — is now commonly associated with Santa Claus.

The real prototype of the modern Santa was a fourth-century bishop of Myra in Asia Minor, St. Nicholas. Little historical information concerning him has been preserved, yet about his name has clung a wonderful world of lore and tradition. Legend tells us that he was a young man of considerable wealth who gave himself to the…