Santa Claus’s history with Coke (the soda, to be specific) stems from the 1920s, when designs similar to the ones created by Thomas Nast made their appearances in advertisements for the soft drink.

From St. Nicholas to Santa Claus: the surprising origins of Kris Kringle. Santa Claus, Father Christmas, St. Nick—no matter the name, everyone knows the story of this plump, jolly, bringer of gifts.

Santa Claus' origins date back to about 280 A.D. when St. Nicholas was born, the History Channel reports. This would make Santa approximately 1,744 years old today. Need a break?

When Americans catch a glimpse of Santa Claus — whether in movies or at a shopping mall — he usually looks the same. He's rotund, sporting a long white beard and a fluffy red-and-white hat.

Santa Claus is seen along Central Park West during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade, Thursday, Nov. 28 2024, in New York.