According to the book Puglia - Dal Gargano al Salento, Nicola, known in Latin as Sanctus Nicolaus, “became Santa Claus in lands north of the Alps and later in North America; his bishop’s cloak was transformed into a fur - trimmed cassock, his miter into a hood, and the saint into a charitable, white - bearded old man with a bag full of presents. ”
Raamat „Puglia - Dal Gargano al Salento ” kirjutab, et Nikolausest (ladinakeelse nimekujuga Sanctus Nicolaus) sai„ Alpidest põhjapoole jäävates riikides ja hiljem Põhja - Ameerikas Santa Claus. Tema piiskopimantlist sai karusnahkse äärisega kuub, mitrast kapuuts ning pühakust leebe, valge habeme ja kingikotiga vanake ”.