Who came up with Santa Claus?

Santa Claus, also known as Saint Nicholas, The Father of Christmas, or just Santa, is described as a fat jolly man (or an elf) who brings gifts on Christmas Eve or Day. He became popular in the U.S. during the 19th Century due to Thomas Nast, a famous caricaturist and political cartoonist. In the Uk Santa is called the Father of Christmas but still maintains the same image as the American Santa Claus. The American version says he lives in the North Pole, and the Uk version says he lives in Finland. Other descriptions say he lives with his wife Mrs. Claus and has a list of nice and naughty children who he gives presents to. However some Christians say the teaching of Santa detracts from the religious origins and purpose of Christmas. Others say Santa is a lie and it is unethical to teach his existence to kids. But still some see him as the commercial advertisement of Christmas.