Amongst adults, the nonexistence of Claus is a given, but many young children believe strongly in his existence. A majority of parents, at least in English-speaking households that celebrate Christmas, either actively attempt to convince their children of Santa's existence, or at least keep the real source of their children's presents a secret from them and so fail to disprove the myth. Children that believe in the existence of Claus tend to lose such beliefs by early primary school, as their ability to distinguish fantasy from reality improves and older children let them in on the secret.
Traditionally, the names of his reindeer are Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen. The names were invented in a poem, "A Visit From St. Nicholas", ascribed to Clement Moore, although there is some question as to his authorship.
A history of Santa Claus was written by L. Frank Baum, the same man who wrote the [Wizard of Oz]?.
Historically, one of the first artists to capture Santa Claus's image as we know him today was Thomas Nast, a cartoonist of the 19th century. In 1863, a picture of Santa appeared in Harper's Weekly by Nast. The Coca-Cola corporation has spread the now popular image of a red-garbed Santa Claus.
Many Christian churches dislike the secular focus on Santa and the materialist focus that present-giving gives to the holiday. They would prefer that focus be given to the birth of Jesus, the nominal reason for the Christmas celebration.
Here is a link to an interesting book on the possible origins of Santa Claus: [1]
See also, Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus.
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