When we think of Santa Claus in the U.S., we imagine the Coca-Cola Santa—a jolly, red-suited man with a plump figure, a long white beard, and a kind demeanor.
Our version of Santa is based on Saint Nicholas, and families often add their own personal twists to Santa’s legend. Some might tell children that Santa can come through the front door if there’s no chimney or that he magically fits into any home.
In my own experience, I wasn’t a big fan of men as a child, so I was told that his wife Mrs. Claus, would bring me my presents instead.
While Santa’s travel methods are generally linked to traditional images like sleighs and reindeer, different cultures have creative ways of incorporating local customs and environments into his journey. Here are some different ways Santa reaches children across the globe:
Santa’s Modes of Transportation Around the World
● Santa on Skis (Switzerland): In Alpine regions, Santa swaps his sleigh for skis to navigate the snowy mountains.
● Santa by Elephant (Thailand): Holiday parades feature Santa riding elephants, symbolizing the country’s cultural connection to these majestic animals.
● Santa in Australia: Often depicted in swimwear, Santa swaps his suit for board shorts and is shown surfing along Australia’s warm December coastlines.
● Santa in Hawaii: Arrives by canoe, bringing a tropical twist to Christmas traditions.
Beyond his mode of transportation, Santa’s appearance and the way gifts are delivered vary across cultures. From Père Noël in France to La Befana in Italy, here’s a look at some of the global figures that bring holiday cheer:
● Father Christmas (England/UK):
○ Wears a long green cloak and a holly wreath on his head.
○ Carries a staff topped with holly or ivy.
○ Historically linked to Yule celebrations, focusing on feasting and merriment rather than gifts. Over time, his image merged with Santa Claus, adopting the iconic red suit.
● Los Reyes Magos (Spain):
○ Known as the Three Wise Men.
○ Deliver gifts on Kings’ Day, January 6.
○ Children leave out shoes, often filled with hay or food for the camels, to receive their presents.
○ Parades called Cabalgatas de Reyes celebrate their arrival.
● Christkind (Austria, Germany, Switzerland):
○ Means “Christ Child” and is a female gift-giver.
○ Depicted with long, curly blonde hair and angelic wings.
○ Arrives quietly, leaving gifts without being seen. In some regions, helpers knock on doors to announce her visit.
● Père Noël (France):
○ Wears a long red robe.
○ Accompanied by Le Père Fouettard, a sinister figure who punishes naughty children.
○ French children leave their shoes by the fireplace for Père Noël to fill with gifts.
● Sinterklaas (The Netherlands):
○ Rides a white horse named Amerigo and delivers gifts on December 5, the eve of Saint Nicholas’ feast day.
○ Wears a bishop’s hat and carries a jeweled staff.
○ Assisted by Zwarte Piet, a controversial figure in Moorish attire and blackface.
○ Arrives on a steamship from Spain, and children leave carrots or hay for his horse.
● Julenissen (Norway, Sweden):
○ A blend of the barn-nisse and St. Nicholas.
○ Wears grey clothes, wooden clogs, or fine shoes, and a red top hat.
○ Known for his short stature and protecting farm animals. It’s customary to leave him porridge or butter as a treat.
● Jólasveinar (Yuletide Lads, Iceland):
○ Thirteen mischievous elf-like brothers.
○ Visit children nightly before Christmas, leaving gifts for the nice and tricks for the naughty. Each lad has a unique personality, like “Spoon-Licker” or “Door-Slammer.”
● Ded Moroz and Snegurochka (Russia):
○ Known as Father Frost and the Snow Maiden.
○ Deliver treats on New Year’s Eve due to historical suppression of religious Christmas traditions.
○ Ded Moroz often wears a blue robe to distinguish himself from Santa Claus.
● La Befana (Italy):
○ An old woman riding a broomstick delivers gifts on the night of January 5, the eve of Epiphany.
○ Known for leaving candy for the good and coal for the naughty.
○ “La Befana is ‘a beloved figure in Italian folklore, symbolizing the end of the Christmas season with her Epiphany visit,’ according to the Italian Cultural Society.”
● Hoteiosho (Japan):
○ A Japanese Buddhist monk-like figure who delivers presents.
○ Said to have eyes in the back of his head to watch if children behave.
As Robert L. Sheldon, author of Christmas Traditions Around the World, states, “Each country has woven its own unique tapestry of traditions and figures to celebrate the spirit of giving.”
Santa Claus may be iconic in the U.S., but his counterparts around the world bring their own charm and traditions to the holiday season.
Whether it’s the mischievous Jólasveinar, the angelic Christkind, or Santa riding a surfboard in Australia, each culture has its way of celebrating the magic of giving. This festive diversity reminds us that the holiday spirit transcends borders, uniting us in joy and generosity.
