The legend of Santa Claus occurred thousands and thousands of years ago and it is one that people from all over the world perpetuate even today.

The beginning of Santa Claus in Germany found on the story of god Woden. Woden, which is a figure in history, is described in mythology as riding a white horse through the air with crimson dressing robes flowing behind him.

The holiday icon has a lengthy and full white beard and a big hat called a kerana. He is also believed to have an abundance of wisdom, and he carried a book with him. Perhaps, this eventually became his list for nice and naughty children.

This Santa Claus soon became converted into a saint who put hard-skinned fruit and apples in children's shoes as a treat. He was said to be driving a hansom cab around in all directions, observing attitudes and behaviours of people, especially children. And if they demonstrate good behaviour, they will get a gift of apples, hard-skinned fruit, candy and a massive amount of various prizes. Meanwhile, bad behaviour was said to only get the whip.

There is also a legend that says that Santa Claus comes from Sinterklaas which was soon changed into St. Nicholas. Mostly the changes were made because these stories were used in favour of the Christian majority to promote joy and the birthday of Jesus.

This is what inspired parents to use the legend as something of a behaviour modifier of their children. As time passed, the character of Santa Claus spread to all corners of the world. A large number of countries also have stories and legend connected with it but most of them have the same basic story of jolly Saint Nick who comes on Christmas Eve when kids are asleep to give them gifts.