Yes, Father Christmas, King Christmas, etc., but no overstuffed Ho! Ho! Ho! Santa Claus who rides in a sleigh. I'm looking for the guy who invented him. The OED says Santa Claus is American, introduced by the "Dutch" in New England (Webster's mentions Sinterklaas); first mention in the OED is from Longfellow who talked of a Santiclaus who left presents. By 1850 he was coming down chimneys. He does not seem to be universally invoked in North America until later (of course in the southwest it was the Wise Men who came and left presents, on a different date). Webster's mentions descent from Sinterklaas.

Thanks, JJ, I will look for Nissenbaum's book. It probably has the answers.
I would like to hoist a toast to the inventor(s) of the modern concept- permits me to buy those complicated toys (detailed scale electric trains, cd burners, etc.) that the kids are too young to handle but which I can run and let them watch.