<h3><strong>In cultures and countries across the globe, Saint Nick is central to the celebration—and commercialization—of Christmas.</strong></h3><p dir="ltr"><strong>In this photo from a January 1957 National Geographic article, Alaskan <a href="http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2014/12/pictures/141220-reindeer-animals-christmas-science-cultures-herders/">reindeer</a> pull Santa Claus's sleigh during the <a href="http://thenationaltree.org/event-history/">Pageant of Peace</a> in Washington, D.C. The annual event, which includes the lighting of the National Christmas Tree, began in 1923 under President Calvin Coolidge.</strong></p><p>The Santa we know today bears little resemblance to <a href="http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2013/12/131219-santa-claus-origin-history-christmas-facts-st-nicholas/">the original Saint Nicholas</a>. Yet the character has proved an enduring icon of Christmas. For many people around the world, the jolly, red-suited, white-bearded figure is a central part of the holiday's celebration—and commercialization.</p><p>As you wait for Santa to come down your chimney tonight, browse through these images of Old Saint Nick from the National Geographic photo archive.</p><p><em>—By Anna Lukacs, photo gallery by Kathy Moran</em></p>