Santa Claus, also known as Father Christmas, or simply "Santa", is the figure who, in Western cultures, is described as bringing gifts on Christmas Eve, December 24[1] or on his Feast Day, December 6.

The depiction of Santa Claus as a fat, jolly man wearing a red coat and trousers with white cuffs and collar, and black leather belt and boots, became popular in the United States in the 19th century. In the United Kingdom and Europe, he is commonly called Father Christmas.
Santa lives in the far north, in a land of perpetual snow. The American version of Santa Claus lives at the North Pole, while Father Christmas is said to reside in Lapland. Other details include: that he is married and lives with Mrs. Claus; that he makes a list of children throughout the world, categorizing them according to their behavior; that he delivers presents, including toys, candy, and other presents to all of the good boys and girls in the world, and sometimes coal or sticks to the naughty children, in one night; and that he accomplishes this feat with the aid of magical elves who make the toys, and eight or nine flying reindeer who pull his sleigh.


In Christian tradition the Magi, Three Wise Men, Three Kings or Kings from the East are said to have visited Jesus after his birth, bearing gifts. They came "from the east to Jerusalem" to worship the Christ, "born King of the Jews". Because three gifts were recorded, there are traditionally said to have been three Magi.