Our modern version of this personage is an amalagation of many old personifications of a very old elf. Yes, elf. In ancient times, it was believed that an elf came and delivered gifts to those who left him porridge. Ahh...see the connection between the milk and cookie offerings left by generations of children? Indeed, the popular figure of Santa Claus actually owes more to the god Odin than he does the Christian saint called Nicholas. Take a look. Good old Saint Nick is a very germanic fellow.

He dresses in red, a colour symbolic of the Teutonic Alfs, or elves. He has one eye with which he can give knowledge with a single wink. He has a long white beard and hails from the ancient lands of the frozen north. The the twelve days of Yule are special to him. Nick is one of his many names.

So when your children cry for Santa Claus

Tell them about Odin being also called Nick and how he flies through the skies hunting with his dogs for the twelve days of Yule.