The fat jolly man in a red suit with reindeer is obviously made up…but the original inspiration came from a real man.
Nicholas from Myra (what is modern day Turkey). He was a bishop, who devoted his life to serving God, defending the Bible and giving to the poor.
He was born into a wealthy family and could have lived 'the high life'. Instead he devoted himself to study and God. He became a bishop, he was imprisoned, gave anonymously to people and performed miracles in the name of Jesus.
We would love to hear from you with any arguments, objections or questions about the above…