Santa Claus is a legendary character originating in Western Christian culture who is said to bring gifts to the homes of well-behaved children on the night of Christmas Eve, 24 December, or during the early morning hours of Christmas Day.
Santa Claus is generally depicted as a chubby and happy white-bearded man—sometimes wearing glasses —wearing a red coat and red trousers (lined with white fur), a red hat with white fur, and black leather belt and boots. He is often shown as carrying a bag full of gifts for children. This image became popular in the United States and Canada in the 19th century due to the 1823 poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas" and caricaturist and political cartoonist Thomas Nast. Santa Claus's has appeared in songs, on radio, on television, in children's books, in films, and in advertising.