Saint Nicolas day, December 6th as still celebrated for example in Holland - sinse the early middle ages. St. Nicolas (AD 280-343) was a true saint for the people and the children, handing out gifts with the help of his servants (black Peter). The name Santa Claus was derived from the Dutch "Sinter Klaas" pronunciation of St Nicholas. Early Dutch settlers in New York (once called New Amsterdam) brought their traditions of St Nicolas. As children tried to pronunce Sinter Klass, this soon became Santa Klass, which was settled as Santa Claus. The old bishop's cloak with mitre, jewelled gloves and crozier were soon replaced with his red suit and clothing seen in other modern images and his white horse replaced by reindeers.