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