Yes, Santa Claus - or actually Saint Nicholas – was a real person. He was born in the southern region of what is present day Turkey in the town of Patara sometime between 260 and 280A.D. He grew up as a committed Christian, who lived by his favorite biblical passage, “Sell what you own and give to the poor.” He sought to live a life following the example Jesus provided – selflessly giving of himself to those suffering from poverty, sickness or tragedy and interceding on behalf of the powerless. He even left his Inheritance to the poor.
 
Early in the fourth century, around 300AD, Nicholas was made bishop (pastor) of Myra in Asia Minor, today’s Demre, Turkey. Even while he was bishop he gave to the poor and needy and made trips to Egypt and Palestine to minister to those there. It was after one of these missions that he was arrested and thrown into prison during the persecution of Roman Emperor Diocletian – sometime between 303 and 305AD. Nicholas was released after Constantine became Emperor in 306AD.

Nicolas also was one of the bishops to attend the Council of Nicaea where he stood steadfastly for the Biblical truth of the Tri-unity of God (and somewhat vigorously against Arias who sought to undermine the doctrine) and voted that the council formally recognize the doctrine of the Trinity.

An example of his life of giving and caring for the powerless comes in the story of his provision for three unmarried women, daughters of a poor man. The story has strong historical verification, although it has been exaggerated over the years with the number of women having been changed, along with certain aspects of the story. The story goes that there were three women who wanted to get married, but they had no dowries, so Nicholas gave them each a bag of gold (or in some versions three gold balls – a symbol still identified with Nicholas) and they had their dowries. This is but one of many other stories that can be historically verified of his giving, his peacemaking, standing up for truth, and those in need.

Because of the extent of his reputation, many exaggerated legends grew up around his name and exploits. In one story it was said that three young boys were captured by a butcher and horribly murdered. Nicholas was said to have dreamed about the murder and went to find the boys, when he did he prayed to God in Heaven to bring them back to life  -  and - according to the legend - God did. There are also legends of Nicholas rescuing sailors at sea. So he was called a Saint and Patron to sailors, children, marriageable women, merchants, bakers, travelers, orphans, captives, thieves and murderers. He was said to be patron to anyone in trouble. Many churches, chapels, and other buildings have been named after him.

Nicholas died on December 6th, 343 AD, he was buried in Myra and that tomb became a popular pilgrimage site. Then some Italian sailors stole his bones and took them to their present resting place in the church of San Nicola in Bari Italy. His death date, December 6th is celebrated yearly in most parts of Europe as Saint Nicholas Feast.  After his death, he was proclaimed a Saint because of his works.

So Yes!, St. Nicholas is real. But what about the jolly, fat elf commonly known as Santa today? The transition began in the United States around 1809 when Washington Irving, described Nicholas in his book, “Knickerbockers’ History of New York” as a “jolly elfin dutch burgher with an ever present clay pipe”. Then in the famous poem, “Twas the Night before Christmas” Saint Nicholas's image was changed. Also the story by Clement Clarke Moore, “A Visit from St. Nicholas” introduced the names for the reindeer that Santa would use in his northern home. Several people drew on the idea in the poem and began depicting a new, “Santa”. His name came from a restating of the Dutch word, “Sinter Klaas”, “Santa Claus” for Americans. Then in 1931 Coca-Cola introduced their Santa sponsor for their slogan -“Thirst knows no season”. Santa soon became a great sponsor for commercial products all over the U.S. He became the kindly man who would bring gifts to good children, leaving a hint of the shadow of the real Saint Nicholas who gave to the needy.

So Saint Nicholas was a real person, who really lived for and sought to follow the Christ of Christmas - the original gift giver - who he loved. But over the years we changed the image of one who pointed to the life and love of Christ - to the image we know today as Santa Claus that oftimes obscures the original gift giver. Nicholas knew that the greatest gift was the one Jesus gave to us – a gift that was given out of self sacrifice - a gift he wanted everyone to have – a gift of a relationship of love and forgiveness with God.

You can find out more about St. Nicholas – the real Santa Claus at these web sites -

St. Nicholas Center - All you would want to know about St. Nick... and more.

St. Nicholas for Kids - Discovery, fun and activities for Kids.

Wikipedia's Santa Claus entries