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: ''This article is about the American legendary secret Christmas gift-giver. For the real man behind this legend, see [[Saint Nicholas]].''

: ''This article is about the American legendary secret Christmas gift-giver. For the real man behind this legend, see [[Saint Nicholas]].''

'''Santa Claus''' is an [[United States of America|American]] popular cultural icon, probably of [[Holland|Dutch]] origin. He has been a regular staple of the American observance of [[Christmas]] for about two centuries or more.

'''Santa Claus''' is an [[United States of America|American]] popular cultural icon, probably of [[Holland|Dutch]] origin. He has been a regular staple of the American observance of [[Christmas]] for about two centuries or more, and exported to prominence in much of the world.

== Origins ==

== Origins ==

== Features of the Santa Claus Legend ==

== Features of the Santa Claus Legend ==

The hallmarks of the legend of Santa Claus include:

The hallmarks of the legend of Santa Claus include:

# A toy factory located at the [[North Pole]]

# A village located at the [[North Pole]], containing a toy factory and other facilities for the production and distribution of toys.

# An uncanny ability to know whether any child has been "good" or "bad."

# An uncanny ability to know whether any child has been "good" or "bad." The means by which this is achieved is rarely elaborated on.

# An order tracking, fulfillment, and transportation system that would be the envy of any corporation, especially an American one.

# Rewards for the good, and punishment for the bad. Traditionally, the good children recieve toys and the bad lumps of coal. Due to the unfamiliarity of a lump of coal to modern children, some variations substitute other undesirable gifts.

# Secret comings and goings to make deliveries

# A requirement for belief: Santa is said to deliver only to those who believe in him. Non-believers get nothing.

# Placement of small candies and similar "party favors" in children's stockings

# Secret comings and goings to make deliveries, via the chimney. In homes without fireplaces, some flexability is required.

# Placement of small candies and similar "party favors" in children's stockings. Children are encouraged to leave a gift in return on christmas eve - tradition dictates a mince pie, a glass of sherry, and one or more carrots for the raindeer.

# Accomplishment of all this order fulfillment and delivery on one night of the year: the night of December 24-25.

# Accomplishment of all this order fulfillment and delivery on one night of the year: the night of December 24-25.