Sámi shamans from northern Scandinavia inspired Santa Claus. Shamans dried psychedelic mushrooms, entered homes through roof openings, hallucinated flight, and wore red clothing while herding reindeer. The Church fused these images into a story of the flying monk, known as the Nikolaos of Myra or Bishop of Myra who could miraculously bring presents to children. This ancient pagan shamanic tradition is still very much alive today.
