Santa Claus as Depicted in 10 Places Around the World

Santa Claus is a jolly fat guy with a white beard and red suit. He delivers toys to good girls and boys and rides a magical sleigh aided by a bunch of flying reindeer. Bad kids get coal in their stocking, but at least it keeps them warm on a cold winter’s night. He likes cookies, and drinks milk and Coca Cola. Most screwed up of all, he knows when you are sleeping, he knows when you’re awake, just like a stalker might. This, of course, is the American version of Santa. But in other parts of the world, they have a very different idea about who delivers Elmos and Lego blocks to children. Here’s a look at 10 of them.

1. Sweden, Norway and Denmark
Who is their Santa Claus? Jultomten, Julenissen and Julemanden; the Nordic gnomes
What’s their deal? They are garden-gnome-like characters based in Nordic folklore who protect farms and farmhouses against bad luck, but these days they live in the North Pole (Santa’s neighbors???) and give gifts to kids on Christmas.

2. Italy
Who is their Santa Claus? La Befana, the Yule witch of Italy
What’s Her Deal? She’s a witch who rides a boom!!! But the good kind of witch, guys. On January 5th – the Feast of the Epiphany – she flies over Italy and gives gifts to all the good boys and girls.

3. Iceland
Who is Santa Claus Over there? The Yule Lads, the mischievous pranksters of Iceland
What’s their Deal? Wow, they sure don’t seem to have much of the Christmas spirit! The Yule Lads are 13 elves who are up to no good, guys. While Santa’s elves are all about making toys for kids, the Yule Lads are basically a band of trolls and haters who like to play pranks. But they aren’t entirely pure evil. The Yule Lads leave some candies and stuff for the good kids too. Yum!

4. Russia, Ukraine and Belarus
Who is Santa Claus Over there? Ded Moroz (Grandfather Frost)
What’s His Deal? Ded Moroz wears a blue or red outfit with a furry hat or snowflake crown. He’s accompanied by his granddaughter Snegurochka (Snow maiden) who gives gifts to children on New Year’s Eve. Ded Moroz has its roots in Slavic mythology and its original story was pretty dark. He was something of a demonic figure who would kidnap naughty children. But these days he’s pretty chill.