Father Christmas Around the World

Father Christmas
He is considered to be the same as ‘Santa Claus’. Traditionally he is thought to land his sleigh and reindeer on the roof and come down the chimney to
leave gifts for well
behaved children,
usually these are left
under the tree or
in stockings.
United Kingdom

Le Père Noël
Children leave their shoes by the fireplace filled with carrots for Père Noël’s donkey Gui. If the children have been good, he will leave them presents. Traditionally, these gifts are small enough to fit into their shoes.
France
‘Father Christmas’

Julenissen
Thought to be the spirit of the house or farm, he does not come down the chimney but through the front door delivering gifts to the household.
A similar spirit also visits homes in Denmark, Sweden and Finland.
Norway
‘Christmas Pixie’

Hoteiosho
Hoteiosho is a Buddhist monk who acts like Father Christmas. He brings presents to each house for children. Some think he has eyes in the back of his head!
Japan

Ded Moroz
De Moroz brings his presents in person to children at New Years Eve celebrations. Snegurochka is his granddaughter and helper. He is the only traditional Christmas figure with a female helper.
Russia
‘Old Man Frost’ or ‘Father Frost’