[fzx12345]

It is interesting to note that only a few cultures refer to the Christmas gift-giver character as St. Nicholas or a derivation therefrom. Germanic tradition calls this figure "Christkindl" (Lit. Christ Child) which has been corrupted in the US to "Kris Kringle", others have a tradition of the Magi delivering gifts. A majority of Europe, if I'm not mistaken, uses a name like "Father Christmas" or "Old Man Christmas" that is not based on a historic figure at all. Any thoughts or comments?

[mike182d]

There's also has an ancient pagan God named "Thor" that was dressed in red and would come to people through their chimneys because his element was "fire" and people would leave offerings for the god by the chimney (milk and cookies anyone?) Oh, and he was the only god that was carried around by a horse-drawn carriage.

Coincidence?