Christmas Day~How Santa Claus Came to Be Santa Claus real name was Nicholas.His was originally a bishop who lived in Turkey.Santa Claus was noted because he enthusiasm in helping children in need.December 6th,the day of his death.Some time after his death, he was made the patron saint of children. The kids put out their shoes on the night of December 5th.After the kids wake up on the next morning,they look into their shoes for presents.