Santa Claus in international folklore is the dominant figure of Christmas and New Year and is a beloved hero for both young and old. However, his original form as a large gentleman with rosy cheeks and a belly first appeared in 1823 by illustrator Thomas Nast and was published in the poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas”.

Nevertheless, the idea of a kind gentleman who distributes gifts to homes in need existed centuries before, apparently starting with the Greek Bishop Saint Nicholas, who would go around distributing gifts and money to the poor, dropping them from the chimneys of houses because he was shy.

In Britain, this figure was presented as "Father Christmas," while in the Netherlands as Sinterklaas. In Germany, they celebrated Christkind and in Italy, Befana. Santa Claus, as he later evolved, is a blend of all the aforementioned local myths, combining features from all these stories. 

His costume was not always as you know it, but it has evolved over the years, incorporating various influences from art, folklore, and the media. This evolution is proof of how Santa Claus has been integrated into our culture and has become a beloved figure worldwide.

In detail, this evolution can be described as follows:

• Early References (4th - 19th century):

He was associated with Saint Nicholas, a Byzantine bishop, who wore a clerical robe and bishop's attire. The color of the costume was first known as red, though it was not the dominant shade.

• Early 19th century:

During the 19th century, he began to wear the more recognizable red suit with white furs, inspired by the Finnish tradition of "Joulupukki" (Christmas Man).

• 1930s:

 Coca-Cola significantly contributed to shaping the image of Santa Claus we have today. In its advertisements, Santa Claus is presented as jolly, plump, with a red suit, white furs, black boots, and a red hat with a white pom-pom.

• 1950s:

• The costume evolves slightly, but the basic image remains stable. Santa Claus becomes even more widespread as a global philanthropist.

• Modern Era:

• Today, Santa Claus's costume continues to be red, with white fur and black boots. However, there are many regional decorative variations, as local traditions influence how Santa Claus is depicted in different countries.

• For example:

• In Estonia, Santa Claus, or "Jõuluvana," wears a blue suit with white details and often a long white coat.

• In Germany, Santa Claus, or "Weihnachtsmann," wears a similar red suit, but often wears boots and has less fur.

• In some areas, he is associated with the North Pole and the North Pole Santa Claus. Here, his costume has a more frosty aesthetic, with more white color and details that reflect the winter frost.