Santas from Around the World

Which version of Santa Claus wears a hooded green cloak, a wreath of holy, and carries a staff? The Ghost of Christmas Present in Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol is based on this figure.

• Père Noël

• Sinterklaas

• Saint Nicholas

• Father Christmas

Answer explanation

Father Christmas is the traditional English name for the personification of Christmas. He was originally part of an older English folkloric tradition that was unrelated to gift giving.

Which country has a Christmas witch who flies around on a broomstick to deliver gifts to children on the Eve of the Epiphany (January 5)?

• Germany

• Mexico

• Italy

• Greece

Answer explanation

In Italian folklore, the Befana is an old woman or witch who delivers gifts to children.

Which country has a Yule Goat that delivers gifts to children, not a human Santa?

• Finland

• South Africa

• Australia

• Iceland

Answer explanation

Joulupukki is a Finnish Christmas figure. The name literally means “Christmas Goat” in Finnish.

What do children in Argentina, France and Holland leave out for Santa?

• Cheese

• Poems

• Shoes

• Chocolate

Answer explanation

Argentinian children leave their shoes outside, in hopes of finding them filled with presents.

French children leave their shoes by the fireplace for Père Noël to fill them with presents.

Before going to bed, Dutch children are told to fill up their shoes with presents for Sinterklaas and his horse.

In Venezuela, presents are delivered at midnight on Christmas Eve by San Nicolás and who else?

• A mule

• Baby Jesus

• An angel

• A golden fox

Answer explanation

In Venezuela, presents are brought by San Nicolás and Niño Jesús.

Which commonwealth country has a Santa Claus parade, which started in 1934 and is followed by a large outdoor Carol singing gathering known as Christmas in the Park?

• Singapore

• New Zealand

• Canada

• Bahamas

Answer explanation

The Farmers’ Santa Claus parade happens in Auckland every year, and it hosts thousands of attendees.

Krampus is a horned anthropomorphic figure who, during the Advent season, scares children who have misbehaved. What night does Krampus visit children?

• December 24

• January 5

• December 5

• December 25

Answer explanation

Saint Nicholas Day is December 6. The night before, Saint Nicholas and Krampus visit children to either give gifts or whip children with a switch.