Traces the history of Santa Klaus, alias St. Nicholas, the patron saint of children. Also relates the origins, legends, and customs of Christmas.

Fable explains how Nicholas Claus become Saint Nicholas, the North Pole toy workshop elves and reindeer and the Christmas spirit.

Presents the boyhood of little Claus, explaining why he became the famous figure known as Santa Claus.

"The Story of Santa Claus" is a delightful story about a young man who lives in his little wooden house and loves to make children happy by making them toys. Claus likes to carry his sack full of dolls, drums, horns, and wooden animals, and walk to the village passing out toys to children along the way. When winter comes, Claus is not able to walk to the village anymore. One day Claus meets magic deer that encourage him to make a sleigh so they can pull him across the snow into the nearby town. When Claus arrives in the village everyone is sleeping. So the deer carry Claus, and the sleigh, to the rooftop so Claus can climb down the chimney to deliver presents. And so it continues that on every Christmas Eve, with a sack full of toys, and reindeer to pull his sleigh, Santa Claus delivers presents to every little girl and boy.

He's a symbol of hope and hapiness, of generosity and benevolence. Santa Clause is simply one of the most beloved legends ever embraced. The Story of Santa explores the history of Father Christmas. Who is he, really? Where did he come from? (His origins may surprise you!) Why does he fulfill our wishes? And what can we learn from him? He's become a ubiquitous figure during the Christmas season with his white beard, red suit, and prominent belly, but just how much do those celebrating the happy holiday really know about Santa Claus? Here is the whole story from the beginning—including the pre-Santas like Sinterklaas, Father Christmas, and of course, St. Nicholas. This beautifully illustrated book celebrates all things Santa ranging from the much-loved poem "The Night Before Christmas" to the songs, movies, images, and stories that are loved by both young and old. Along the way, it explores the favorite stories that have sprung up around him, including Santa’s elves, his workshop, Santa’s beloved reindeer and the legend of Mrs. Claus and the North Pole abode where she and her husband make their home. You'll even learn the secret to how Santa has time to visit every house around the world in just one night (a mathematician explains how it’s physically possible).