The name "Santa Claus" is a corrupted version of St. Nicholas. Also known as Nicholas of Myra was a Greek bishop, born in the Greek colony of Patara in Lycia (a part of modern day Turkey) in 270 AD. So no Santa Claus in North Pole or Lapland of Finland.
The "Santa Claus" itself is derived from Dutch "Sinterklaas", a traditional holiday figure celebrated on Saint Nicholas' Eve (December 5) or on Saint Nicholas' Day (December 6). So no presents on Christmas Eve*.
It may not be surprising that he is the patron saint of children. But his patronage doesn't end there, bizarrely he is also the patron saint of prostitutes, repentant thieves, the falsely accused and pawnbrokers, as well as of fishermen, sailors, archers, pharmacists and merchants. What a bizarre collection of professions and people, you may think, but wait, he is also the patron saint of 2 capital cities: Amsterdam and Moscow.
* The date was changed from December 6 to Christmas Eve by Protestants during the Reformation of 17th century.
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