Santa Claus much to Odin, the old blue-hooded, cloaked, white-bearded Giftbringer of the north, who rode the midwinter sky on his eight-footed steed Sleipnir, visiting his people with gifts. […] Odin, transformed into Father Christmas, then Santa Claus, prospered with St Nicholas and the Christchild, became a leading player on the Christmas stage." In Finland Santa Claus is called Joulupukki (direct translation 'Christmas Goat'). Pre-modern representations of the gift-giver from Church history and folklore, notably St Nicholas (known in Dutch as Sinterklaas), merged with the English character Father Christmas to create the character known to Americans and the rest of the English-speaking
Santa Claus instruction on how to act as Santa Claus. For example, children's television producer Jonathan Meath studied at the International School of Santa Claus and earned the degree "Master of Santa Claus" in 2006. It blossomed into a second career for him, and after appearing in parades and malls, he appeared on the cover of the American monthly "Boston Magazine" as Santa. There are associations with members who portray Santa; for example, Mr. Meath was a board member of the international organization called "Fraternal Order of Real Bearded Santas." Writing letters to Santa Claus has been a Christmas tradition for children