One version of the legend of Sinter Klaas stated that he rode a horse through the skies dressed in Bishop's clothing, (a fat, jolly winter spirit reminiscent of the ancient Nordic/Teutonic god Odin).

Another version has him arriving by boat carrying a book that records those children who have been well behaved over the year. The legend says he was sometimes accompanied by Black Peter, an Elf, who whipped naughty children.

And yet another version is the story of St. Nicholas. A famous story about St. Nicholas, is how he helped three Italian maidens. The legend goes...there was three Italian maidens who were to wed, but their father had lost his fortune and could not provide their necessary dowries. Hearing this St. Nicholas late one night dropped bags of gold into the stockings of the three girls, which they had left by the fire to dry.

There are different flavours of the legend in different countries.

In Germany St. Nikolaus has an assistant to carry the gifts for good children and a rod to beat the naughty ones. His name is Knecht Ruprecht, Pelzebock or Krampus.

In Italy there is La Befana, (no doubt an ancestor of the Roman Befana), who is reputed to be a "good witch" who dresses in black and brings gifts to children on the feast of the Epiphany.

The timing of gift giving is similar in Spain, Mexico, Puerto Rico and South America where children are given gifts on 6 January to commemorate the visit of the Wise Men to the infant Jesus.

The legend of Sinter Klaas crossed the Atlantic with 17th century Dutch settlers to New York.

In the 1800's the legend evolved replacing Santa's horse with reindeer and sledge, losing Black Peter, (too scary), and embellishing such details as the toy workshop at the North Pole run by Elves.

20th century additions include the appearence of Mrs. Claus, and the practice of leaving out small food gifts for Santa on Christmas Eve.