The real Saint Nicholas who inspired the modern idea of Santa Claus was Saint Nicholas of Myra, a Greek Catholic bishop. He was born into a wealthy family in 270 and was religious from a young age. When he devoted his life to religion, he used his immense inherited wealth to benefit the poor, paying dowries for young ladies so that they wouldn't have to engage in prostitution and provided much support for the less fortunate. His generosity was what led to him becoming associated with the gift giving of the Christmas season; eventually inspiring the idea of Santa Claus.
