In real life, he was a Greek Bishop
The inspiration for Santa Claus comes from the real-life Greek bishop who was born around 280 A.D. in Myra, modern-day Turkey. St. Nicholas was the bishop of Myra, and many legends surround his life. He was said to have given away all his wealth to the poor and helped the sick. He also saved three sisters from being sold into slavery by giving their father a dowry.