ColorNest
The modern image of Santa Claus as a jolly, bearded man in a red suit with white trim was popularized through illustrations and advertisements in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The name Santa Claus comes from the Dutch Sinterklaas, itself a shortened form of Sint Nikolaas — Saint Nicholas, a generous bishop who lived in what is now Turkey in the 300s CE. His legendary habit of gift-giving became the basis for Christmas traditions across Europe and eventually the world.
Coloring ideas: Santa's suit is traditionally red with white fur trim, and his belt and boots are black with gold buckle. His rosy cheeks can be a warm pink or light red. Color the sack a rough burlap tan, and give the toys peeking out bright, fun colors — a red toy train, a yellow star, a blue ball. The background snow scene can be left white or shaded very light blue.
This image is approachable for younger kids because the main shapes are large and clear. Older kids can add fine details to the toys in the sack using thin markers or colored pencils, creating a tiny scene of miniature gifts.
