Santa Claus
Top Destinations for an Unforgettable Christmas
For some individuals, the ideal Christmas vacation means embracing winter in a snowy mountain retreat, while others favor relaxing on a warm beach far from the winter chill. This article explores some of the best places to visit for Christmas this year, ranging from sunny islands to charming towns.
Global Christmas Traditions: What Kids Leave for Santa
On the night before Christmas, children worldwide present something special for Santa to enjoy. This tradition may stem from pre-Christian practices where Pagans offered food to their ancestors or from Norwegian children who left offerings for Odin and his eight-legged horse, Sleipner. Regardless of its origins, children around the globe celebrate this custom with their unique traditions for Father Christmas.
Discover Santa Claus Traditions in the Czech Republic
Svatý Mikuláš, the Czech St. Nick, typically dons the white robes of a bishop and wears a majestic white beard. Accompanied by an angel (who has lowered St. Nicholas to Earth from the heavens in a basket borne aloft by a golden rope) and a devil, Svatý Mikuláš brings gifts to children on the Eve of St. Nicholas, celebrated on December 5. The angel represents the good children, while the devil symbolizes the naughty ones. As a result, children get both the joy of receiving gifts and the thrill of a friendly scare.
Exploring Santa Claus Traditions in Eastern Europe
Santa Claus in Eastern Europe has many names, and many countries in Eastern Europe are visited by more than one Santa Claus character. St. Nicholas typically visits some children on December 5th (St. Nicholas Eve) or December 6th (St. Nicholas Day). Grandfather Frost or Baby Jesus commonly brings gifts on Christmas Eve. Consequently, some Santa Claus figures wait until New Year’s Eve to visit children. Explore the names and traditions of Eastern Europe’s Santa Clauses below.