The “Space Race” was a competition of technology and space exploration between the United States and Soviet Union, which lasted roughly from 1957 to 1975. During this period, the spirit of space, integrated into the popular cultures and art worlds, especially in Russia they were quite serious about their s#hit. Christmas was abandoned in USSR after the Revolution – so when the prohibition was over, no actual culture was remaining. Russians could therefore re-design and upgrade their Papa Noel to become a high-tech space rider, who delivered the presents in a top tuned rocket  -  and far outpace Santa and his slow, old scholl raindrears, several light years ahead! That’s my theory anyway..