Santa Claus is thought to be a fusion of Catholic myths about Saint Nicholas and Norse pagan myths about the god Odin. Odin, disguised as a bearded old man and bearing gifts, was said to visit during the ancient 12-day winter feast of Yule, riding an eight-legged horse. Children would leave hay in their shoes for Odin's steed. Another Norse god, Thor, flew through the sky on a chariot pulled by two magical goats. After Catholicism spread...Continue Reading