| Santa Claus actually started out as a version of | | | | In Sweden a gnome called "Juletomten" brings |
| Poseidon, Greek god of the sea, known as | | | | gifts in a sleigh driven by goats. |
| Neptune by the Romans. Early Greek sailors | | | | In Germany and Switzerland the "Christkindl", or |
| feared him. He could bring terrible storms in the | | | | Christ Child, brings the gifts. In some towns, |
| sea, or grant them safe journeys. Because he | | | | Christkindl is an angel who comes down from |
| could save them from the angry waters, he | | | | heaven to give gifts. |
| because known as "giver of all good things". The | | | | In Australia Santa rides water skis, has a white |
| Romans and Greeks held a festival on December | | | | beard, and red bathing suit. |
| 6 in his honor. | | | | In China, Christmas Old Man, brings gifts to |
| Many countries still celebrate Christmas on | | | | children. |
| December 6 but due to the rise of Christianity, | | | | In England, Father Christmas wears a longer coat |
| the day was changed to St. Nicholas Day in honor | | | | and has a longer beard. |
| of an Asian bishop. Nicholas of Myra was a | | | | In France he's known as Pere Noel. |
| benevolent bishop who wore red clothing, rode a | | | | All of Latin America and Spain are predominantly |
| white horse who could fly, and delivered gifts | | | | Catholic so Baby Jesus, el Niño Jesus, brings |
| anonymously. | | | | the gifts. |
| In America, we celebrate with Santa and his flying | | | | In Puerto Rico, children receive gifts from the |
| reindeer. | | | | Three Kings on January 6th, also called Epiphany. |
| But many countries still celebrate with their own | | | | Every child puts grass under their bed for the |
| unique version of Santa. | | | | camels. In the morning the grass is replaced with |
| In Sicily, it is the spirits of departed loved ones | | | | gifts. But since Puerto Rico is part of the United |
| who bring gifts to children. | | | | States, major gift giving is done on December 25 |
| Italian children wait for a kindly old witch named | | | | from Santa Claus. |
| Befana who flies through the air on a broom. | | | | In Morocco he is known as Black Peter. |
| A Russian counterpart is known as Baboushka. | | | | In Japan, Santa Claus is called just "Santa" and |
| Also called Grandfather Frost in some parts of | | | | many children still call him "Santa no ojisan," which |
| the country. | | | | means "Uncle Santa." |
| In Holland "Sintirklass" arrives by boat on | | | | No matter what name a child calls Santa, it's a |
| December 6th. Children leave a wooden shoe filled | | | | thrill to write to, and get an answer from the |
| with hay and carrots for the donkey which carries | | | | North Pole. |
| the pack of toys. | | | | |