Is Santa Real or are parents Santa?

Santa Claus is not real; he is a mythical character. He was based on a real Roman Catholic saint, Saint Nicholas, who lived in the 4th century AD. The character also drew inspiration from the Dutch character of Sinterklaas, as well as Father Christmas, the personification of Christmas which originated in the High Middle Ages. Today, parents play the role of Santa Claus and leave their gifts under the tree. Volunteers at the postal service (e.g. Canada Post) also play the role of Santa and reply to letters.