In Germany, Santa Claus is primarily called Weihnachtsmann (Christmas Man), who brings gifts on Christmas Eve. However, the tradition of Sankt Nikolaus (St. Nicholas) is distinct, with visits on December 6th to leave treats in children's boots. Another traditional gift-bringer, especially in southern/Catholic regions, is the Christkind.
Over the centuries, the stories surrounding him evolved and spread, inspiring a wide range of figures across Christian cultures: Nikolaus in Germany, Santa Claus in North America, Father Christmas in the UK, Sinterklaas in the Netherlands, and many more regional variations.
In many parts of Germany, it's not Santa Claus who brings kids their presents but Christkind. Traditionally depicted as an angelic figure, Christkind brings presents on the evening of December 24th and places them under the Christmas tree.
The term “Belsnickeling” comes from Belsnickel, a companion figure to Santa Claus in German folklore. Think of Belsnickel as the stern equivalent to the jolly Saint Nick. Belsnickel traditionally dressed in furs (or sometimes rags, depending on the area) and carried a switch (a small wooden whip).
Krampus's name is derived from the German word krampen, meaning claw, and is said to be the son of Hel in Norse mythology. The legendary beast also shares characteristics with other scary, demonic creatures in Greek mythology, including satyrs and fauns.
5 German Christmas traditions you should know | History Stories
Why was Krampus banned?
Krampus was banned at various times by authorities, including the Catholic Church and fascist governments in 20th-century Austria, because his devilish appearance and menacing customs were seen as too scary for children, too pagan, or linked to socialism, with officials fearing the tradition harmed children's mental health and promoted devil worship. While suppressed, the tradition survived and has seen a major resurgence as an alternative, edgier holiday figure.
People might see a certain resemblance between the Belsnickel and that other Germanic folklore figure, the Krampus. But the Krampus is more of a pagan, demonic creature with horns and long claws, While the Belsnickel is decidedly human. (If he's wearing horns or antlers, it's because they're attached to his hat.)
Increasingly, people in Germany don't celebrate Christmas for religious reasons but because they see it as a time for the family to come together to enjoy shared rituals. This was revealed by a study conducted by the University of the Bundeswehr in Neubiberg.
Instead of Santa Claus, Russians have Ded Moroz (Grandfather Frost), who brings gifts for New Year's rather than Christmas. Ded Moroz has a young woman helper called Snegurochka (Snow Maiden). She is a unique feature of Russian folklore, appearing in traditional attire with braided hair.
The Krampus (German: [ˈkʁampʊs]) is a horned anthropomorphic figure who, in the Central and Eastern Alpine folkloric tradition, is said to accompany Saint Nicholas on visits to children during the night of 5 December (Krampusnacht; "Krampus Night"), immediately before the Feast of St. Nicholas on 6 December.
Santa Claus's dark history involves pagan winter figures, demonic companions like Krampus who punished naughty children with switches and sacks, and gruesome medieval tales of Saint Nicholas resurrecting murdered boys, blending grim folklore with the benevolent gift-giver to create a complex figure balancing reward and punishment. These darker elements, including the goat-like Krampus, Père Fouettard (Father Whipper), and pagan winter gods associated with darkness and death, contrast with the modern, jolly Santa but highlight his origins in older traditions.
Traditionally in Germany, a character called the Belsnickel would visit children alongside Saint Nicholas. Many cultures have an assistant accompany St. Nicholas/Santa Claus during his visits to punish the children who need to correct their behavior. Traditionally in Germany, St. Nicholas' Day is December 6th.
Sandy Claws? Lock, Shock, and Barrel. Santa Claus (or Sandy Claws as Jack Skellington calls him) is one of the central characters of Tim Burton's 1993 stop-motion Disney film The Nightmare Before Christmas.
Quote #1: "Whenever I'm about to do something, I think, 'Would an idiot do that?' And if they would, I do not do that thing." Dwight Schrute was an enormously confident seller.
Prior to Nast's work, Santa's outfit was tan in color, and it was he that changed it to red, although he also drew Santa in a green suit. This change is often attributed to the work of Haddon Sundblom, who drew images of Santa in advertising for the Coca-Cola Company since 1931.
So, historically, Santa visits the South Pacific first, then New Zealand and Australia. After that, he shoots up to Japan, over to Asia, across to Africa, then onto Western Europe, Canada, the United States, Mexico and Central and South America.
Nicolas, the original Santa Clause, does not roam the night alone. He has his partner Krampus giving out punishment to those who have behaved badly during the year. Krampus most likely originated from Austria derived from pagan beliefs. He was later adapted to Christian beliefs symbolizing the devil himself.
After Fidel's revolution, Cuba was declared to be an atheist nation, formerly having been Catholic like most Latin American countries. In 1969 Christmas was banned mostly because it got in the way of the sugar harvest.
