9 votes

What is the version of Santa Claus in your country/region?

In Russia, he's called Ded Moroz. Unlike Santa, he wears blue, doesn't ride a sleigh, nor does he abuse his workers, but uses magic to deliver the presents instead. He has a granddaughter named Snegurochka, who always comes with him to kids' celebrations. Just as the new year starts, he's ready to put the presents under the fur tree.

1 comment

  1. KapteinB
    Link
    In Norway we call him julenissen, or just nissen. Today he's very similar to the Santa Claus as the English-speaking world knows him, but the name hints at him being a very different character...

    In Norway we call him julenissen, or just nissen. Today he's very similar to the Santa Claus as the English-speaking world knows him, but the name hints at him being a very different character back in the day.

    Jul was the name of a month in the old Germanic calendar, a month where the end of the year was celebrated. I guess the church though it was easier to co-opt the old pagan celebration than to attempt to outlaw and replace it.

    Nisse is a mythological creature that translates to something like gnome or goblin. Often, especially in older artwork, julenissen is depicted as a short man with a pointy hat.

    The modern julenissen delivers presents on Christmas Eve (which is also when we open the presents). We leave him a plate of rice pudding to thank him; in the barn if your family has one, otherwise outside the door of your house/apartment. His reindeer are unnamed.

    5 votes