The man who invented Christmas, Santa Claus, is a fictional character who has been portrayed in various ways throughout the years. The image of Santa Claus as a jolly, generous, and benevolent figure who brings gifts to children on Christmas Eve has been popularized through stories, songs, and movies. However, the origins of the Santa Claus story are rooted in several different myths and legends from different cultures. Some of these stories include Saint Nicholas, a 4th-century bishop known for his generosity, and the Germanic god Odin, who was associated with winter and the yule season.