The legendary figure is Santa Claus, historically linked to Saint Nicholas.
Name of the figure
In many Western cultures, the gift-bringer who leaves presents in stockings on Christmas Eve is known as Santa Claus.
This modern figure evolved from traditions surrounding Saint Nicholas, a 4th‑century Christian bishop famous for secret gift‑giving.
Link to stockings
A popular legend tells of Saint Nicholas secretly providing gold to a poor family by dropping it into stockings drying by the fireplace.
This story became the basis for the custom of children hanging stockings to receive gifts, later transferred from Saint Nicholas’s feast day to Christmas Eve and associated with Santa Claus.
