Santa Claus Around the World: How Different Countries Celebrate
Did you know that Santa Claus goes by different names and looks a little different depending on where you are in the world? The spirit of Christmas gift-giving is shared by people everywhere, but each country has put its own special spin on the story. Let's take a tour!
Santa Claus in the United States and Canada
In North America, Santa Claus is the big, jolly man in the red suit who comes down the chimney on Christmas Eve. Children leave out cookies and milk for him. He travels by sleigh pulled by eight reindeer (plus Rudolph). This version of Santa is probably the most famous in the world.
Father Christmas in the United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, Santa is often called Father Christmas. He has been part of British tradition for centuries. Father Christmas is tall and wears a long robe, sometimes in deep red or forest green. He visits on Christmas Eve just like Santa and brings gifts to children who have been good.
Saint Nicholas in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, a figure called Sinterklaas (which is where the name "Santa Claus" actually comes from!) arrives on a boat from Spain in early December. He rides a white horse across rooftops. Dutch children leave their shoes out on December 5th, and Sinterklaas fills them with sweets and small gifts.
Babbo Natale in Italy
In Italy, the gift-giver is called Babbo Natale, which simply means "Father Christmas." He looks very similar to the American Santa Claus. Italy also has a unique tradition involving a friendly witch called La Befana, who brings gifts to children on January 6th.
Papa Noel in Spain and Latin America
In Spain and across much of Latin America, the gift-bringer is called Papa Noel. In some countries, gifts are exchanged on January 6th, the Day of the Three Kings, rather than December 25th. Children leave their shoes outside the night before, hoping to find them filled with presents in the morning.
Explore Santa Claus Around the World for even more traditions. Read Who Is Santa Claus? and learn About Santa Claus. Visit Santa's Workshop and find out How Santa Delivers Billions of Toys in One Night.
SOURCE:
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