Saint Nicolas of Myra was absolutely a real person who was famous for secret gift-giving.
His legacy created the idea of Santa Claus around the world. Millions - possibly billions of people around the world get presents from Santa Claus (or Sinterklaas, etc.) every year.
If you accept Santa Claus as a deeply-rooted part of western folklore, then not only did he exist in the 4th century, but he exists today just as surely.
Saint Nicolas of Myra was absolutely a real person who was famous for secret gift-giving.
His legacy created the idea of Santa Claus around the world. Millions - possibly billions of people around the world get presents from Santa Claus (or Sinterklaas, etc.) every year.
If you accept Santa Claus as a deeply-rooted part of western folklore, then not only did he exist in the 4th century, but he exists today just as surely.