Here is a site that gives some detail into the history of Santa and various customs around the world.

http://www.lnstar.com/mall/main-areas/santafaq.htm

Thanks, always good to look into the history of what we do.

Another great site for the santa scoop is:


http://www.northpolesantaclaus.com/santahistory.htm

Many of the legends and customs surrounding Santa Claus may stem from practices that precede the Christian era.
The prsctice of coming in through the roof and leaving items around the fire is likely to have its origins in the Midwinter celebrations of some of the northern peoples, where the Shaman of a tribe would lower him/her self down through the smoke-hole of an underground winter dwelling and leave carvings of herd and game animals around the fire, to release the spirits of those animals to ensure good breeding and hunting for the next year.
The origins of him residing at the North Pole and his use of reindeers may come from the Lappish & Sami peoples, who come from the regions where this was practiced and mould their year to the movements of the reindeer.
As for the red and white costume he wears, some 18th to 19th century depictions often show him in either green and white or blue and white (and less commonly in yellow and white). His costume becoming fixed as the more commonly known red & white probably does come about in the way described on the site mentioned by Fr_Chuck.
If you look at some of the other traditions that are stilled followed at Christmas/Midwinter, you will find that many of them have pre- Christisn origins. But they are answers to other questions. So I'll just sign off for now.

Here is a site that gives some detail into the history of Santa and various customs around the world.

Santa Claus Facts, Origin and fun Tidbits (http://www.lnstar.com/mall/main-areas/santafaq.htm)

Thanks Chuff, That was an excellant site. Thank you.


Joe

Few days a go while finding the answar of what is the history of santa claus, I found a video which describe what is the history of santa clause.
You can find that video on sharpeffect.net
History of santa clause (http://www.sharpeffect.net/video/4c81fc47-a.aspx)