Santa Claus
Santa Claus, also known as Saint Nicholas, Kris Kringle, Father Christmas, or simply Santa, is a legendary figure originating in Western Christian culture who is said to bring gifts to the homes of well-behaved ("good" or "nice") children on Christmas Eve (24 December) and the early morning hours of Christmas Day (25 December). The modern Santa Claus grew out of traditions surrounding the historical Saint Nicholas (a fourth-century Greek bishop and gift-giver of Myra), the British figure of Father Christmas and the Dutch figure of "Sinterklaas" (himself also based on Saint Nicholas). Some maintain Santa Claus also absorbed elements of the Germanic god Wodan, who was associated with the pagan midwinter event of Yule and led the Wild Hunt, a ghostly procession through the sky.
Santa Claus Anonymous
Santa Claus Anonymous, Inc is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and a long time, Baltimore City based charity that provides gift certificates to families in Baltimore City and seven neighboring counties in Maryland during the holiday season. The organization was founded in 1934 by Theodore McKeldin, Baltimore mayor in 1943 and 1963. The organization is one of the few charities in the Baltimore–Washington metropolitan area that relies on the Christmas Spirirt of generosity, abundance, and joy to raise money.