Who gives gifts to children for the New Year in different countries of the world (15 photos)

In many countries around the world, they traditionally celebrate New Year and Christmas with the expectation of gifts from Father Frost or Santa Claus. These are familiar characters, known to us for a long time not only from numerous fairy tales, but also from films and even commercials.



However, some cultures have their own unique customs regarding who brings pleasant surprises to children on the most magical holiday of the year. Sometimes these characters are quite similar to the funny old men we know well with a long, gray beard and a kind smile. However, other representatives of the fairy-tale kingdom have nothing in common with them. And this is truly surprising.

Father Christmas or Father Christmas, England



The character appeared in England back in the Middle Ages. Previously, he was depicted wearing a green hooded cloak decorated with mistletoe, ivy and holly. Nowadays, his appearance is practically no different from the American Santa Claus.

Tio de Nadal or Christmas log, Spain





Perhaps one of the most unusual characters who gives gifts to children. Tio de Nadal is most loved in Catalonia (the tradition is also popular in Aragon, Occitania and Andorra). It's a small log on legs with a smiley face on it that poops gifts. You can make the figurine yourself or buy it ready-made in the store.

Then they place it on a window or near the fireplace and begin to feed it (for fun, of course). On Christmas Eve, children are invited to beat Tio de Nadal with sticks or wooden spoons so that he shits himself and presents gifts. The beating of the log should be accompanied by cheerful songs. This is such a fun tradition.

Christkind, Austria and Germany



This is a girl angel with blond curls and golden wings, who is dressed in a white dress. She brings sweets and gifts to the children on Christmas night. It was invented in the 16th century by the reformer of the Catholic Church - Martin Luther.

Christkind is also loved in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Croatia, Hungary, Switzerland and Italy.

Befana, Italy



An old woman or witch who brings gifts to children by entering houses through the chimney. Befana gives gifts only to good and obedient children. She leaves embers for pranksters, hiding them in Christmas stockings.

Jolasvejnar, Iceland



Thirteen Yule boys who take turns delivering gifts to children. Why do Icelanders need one magical old man if there is a whole horde? They visit children's homes starting on December 9th.

Three Kings, Spain



Melchior, Caspar, Belshazzar - three kings, magicians or sorcerers who brought gifts to the newborn Jesus. Now they bring gifts to Spanish children every year. This happens on December 5-6, and not on Christmas or New Year.

Sinterklaas, Netherlands and Belgium



Chyskhaan, Yakutia



This is an almighty spirit of cold that is half man and half bull.

Tovlis Babua, Georgia



Pere-Noel, France



Winter wizard-giver from Karelia. The main feature of the hero is that he is not an old man, but a young guy.

Pancho Klaus, Mexico



Olentzero, Basque Country



This is a very unusual hero who appeared back in the 15th century. He is dressed in traditional Basque clothing, a black beret, shirt and wicker sandals. He almost always has a bottle of wine in his hands and a smoking pipe in his mouth. He brings gifts to good children, and coal to naughty children.

The Basque Country is an autonomous community located in northern Spain. They have their own cultural traditions, cuisine and their own Basque language. Therefore, it is not at all surprising that they also have their own unique Santa Claus.

Bonus: Eulian goat, Norway, Finland, Sweden



At Christmas, people dress up as the Yuletide goat and go to the houses of friends and neighbors to eat and drink something. This tradition is somewhat reminiscent of Halloween. Today, unfortunately, it is almost a thing of the past.