In a more traditional view of Santa, artist Norman Rockwell did a number of beautifully atmospheric covers featuring Santa. I counted ten Saturday Evening Post covers of Santa by Rockwell, during the 40 years or so he did covers for the magazine.
Here are a few I could find online:




Santa's Helpers
Saturday Evening Post, December 2, 1922

larger image HERE


Santa at his globe
Saturday Evening Post, December 4, 1926

larger image HERE


Dear Santa
Saturday Evening Post, December 21, 1935

larger image HERE


Santa At the Map,
Saturday Evening Post, December 16, 1939 issue.

http://shop.com.edgesuite.net/


The Truth About Santa
Saturday Evening Post, December 29, 1956 issue.

larger image HERE




And here's a link to images by 19th century illustrator Thomas Nast, and text about Nast, describing his role in shaping the modern visual concept of Santa Claus:

http://www.sonofthesouth.net/Original_Santa_Claus.htm