Santa Claus of course always plays a major feature in Christmas festivities. The original Santa Claus character was derived from St. Nicholas, who was born in Lycia in Asia Minor in 280AD. St. Nicholas was a wealthy bishop who spent his time helping the poor, and leaving gifts in secret at night, especially for children. Part of the story goes that he left some gold in some stockings outside a house door, and these needed to be hung up to dry and thus began the Christmas stocking tradition. The St. Nicholas character underwent a few changes in name and appearance before being known as 'Santa Claus', and it was not until the 1920s that the red-suited rotund and jolly Santa made his appearance, most likely largely influenced by 19th century cartoon drawings by Thomas Nast. The modern Santa is almost universally recognised and is commonly used in Christmas decorations and celebrations around the world. Help add some Christmas cheer to your part of the world this year with a large standing Santa from the Christmas Warehouse.