Santa Claus first appeared in New York’s Macy’s department store in 1862 and Father Christmas started his annual visits to Beales department store in Bournemouth in 1884.

The two figures in red are the same person: St Nicholas.

Friday 6 December is St Nicholas Day.

He is the patron not only of children but also bankers, sailors and apothecaries. Cities dedicated to St Nicholas include Aberdeen, Liverpool , Portsmouth and New York.

Nicholas died in 342. His body is in Bari, on Italy’s east coast, where today there are festivities. But he was first buried in Turkey and there this morning he is remembered in Demre’s ancient church.

Canterbury Cathedral’s St Nicholas Family Service is on Sunday 8 December at 5.30pm and will be live streamed on YouTube and via the cathedral website.

Children can meet St Nicholas and learn about the history of Father Christmas at Gloucester Cathedral on Saturday 14 December.

Keeping Advent & Christmas (£9.99) is available here. Use special offer code XMAS24 to buy the book for £7.50 including postage.