Probably one of the most beloved spirits in American and European folklore, Santa Claus has won the hearts of children everywhere. Dressed in a red suit lined with white fur, and flying through the air in a sleigh drawn by magical flying reindeer, this white-bearded old elf travels around the world delivering gifts to children everywhere, carrying with him the spirit of peace and love.

But truly our image of Santa has morphed quite a bit over the years. We know him as the “jolly old elf,” but actually his character is based on that of a living man, Saint Nicholas, a Greek Bishop who lived in the third century. Nicholas (who actually attended the council of Nicaea) was a kind and giving man, who made it his priority to help heal human suffering. He died on December 6, AD 363 (now known as St. Nicholas Day).

The following incarnations are based on the spirit of Saint Nicholas:

Father Christmas
Father Christmas is a Winter Spirit who hales from English folklore. Some say he has roots that can be traced back to the druids. Known to travel on a goat or donkey, Father Christmas carries gifts to all those who have been good throughout the year.

Père Noël
From French folklore, this gentle spirit dressed all in red rides a white horse and delivers presents to children on Christmas Eve. Of course, in the tradition of most Santas, the children must be good in order to receive presents!

Father Frost
From Russian folklore, Father Frost (along with his sister, the Snow Maiden) travels in his reindeer drawn sleigh across the country to deliver gifts to deserving children. But this Santa places gifts under the tree, not on Christmas Eve, but on New Year’s Day!

Nicolai Chudovorits
A Russion shamanic spirit who existed well before the advent of Christianity and the stories of St. Nicholas, Nicolai is a Winter Spirit who travels through the air in a reindeer drawn sleigh to deliver gifts to grown-ups and children alike at the feast of Epiphany (January 6). When he’s done delivering the presents, he disappears up the chimney in a puff of smoke.

Sinter Klaas
This spirit from the folklore of Holland is dressed as a bishop and travels about on a white horse. He keeps a record of the good and bad deeds of children, and not only does he distribute gifts to the good, but metes out punishments to those who misbehaved. Oh, and he has a summer home in Spain!

The physical appearance of Santa has changed quite a bit over the years, but his true spirit still remains. That spirit is Love, Giving and Peace. No matter what name we know him by, at any time we, too, can choose to reside in this spirit of giving and kindness.