The saint who is nicknamed Santa Claus

The true story of Santa Claus begins with St. Nicholas, who was born in 280 A.D. in the town of Patara on the southern coast of Turkey. His wealthy parents, who raised him to be a devout Catholic, died in an epidemic while Nicholas was still young. Hence he used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering.
He dedicated his life to serving God and was made Bishop of Myra while still a young man. Bishop Nicholas became known throughout the land for his generosity to those in need, his love for children, and his concern for sailors and ships.
Under the Roman Emperor Diocletian, who ruthlessly persecuted Catholics, Bishop Nicholas suffered for his faith, was exiled and imprisoned, but was freed by the Edict of the first Catholic Emperor Constantine the Great in 313.
After his release, Nicholas attended the great Council of Nicaea in 325 A.D. which condemned the Arian heresy. During the Council, he slapped Arius in the face for preaching the false doctrine that Christ was not divine like God the Father.
(The false doctrine of Arius is known as the Arian heresy & this was the first heresy which had split the Catholic Church).
St. Nicholas died on 6 December 343 A.D. in Myra and was buried in his cathedral church, where a unique relic, called manna, formed in his grave. This liquid substance, which had healing powers, fostered the growth of devotion to Nicholas.
In 1087 the relics of St. Nicholas were carried to Bari in southern Italy and are enshrined in the basilica of St. Nicholas which is now famous for pilgrimage & the anniversary of his death is a day of celebration.