Jordy van Dipte | The Dutch Archeologist on Instagram: "The history of Sinterklaas and santa clause Santa Claus wasn’t born in the North Pole. He was shaped by centuries of European history. Before the red suit, before the sleigh, before the elves… there was a bishop called Nicholas. From secret gifts in the night to a grand arrival by ship in Amsterdam, Sinterklaas became a legend long before Santa did. And while the world celebrates Santa… the Netherlands kept the original story alive. History