
The photographs and information on this page show how the story of Santa Claus appears in many countries around the world and at certain times in history. Click on the pictures to see a larger version that can be copied and printed.

North Pole Santa

Today’s Santa looks like a happy grand-dad. He lives at the North pole and has lots of elf helpers who work in his toy factory.

He keeps a check on whether children have been naughty or good so that he knows what to do when they write to ask him for presents.
On Christmas Eve Santa fills his sleigh with presents and, pulled by flying reindeer, he delivers gifts around the world. On Christmas morning he enjoys a well-earned rest while Mrs. Claus takes care of him.

Dedt Moroz
From the heart of Siberia comes the legend of Dedt Moroz or Father Ice. Lore has it, a kind and gentle young girl was banished from her house to the frozen forest by her mean stepmother. As she began to freeze, a huge blizzard parted and Dedt Moroz appeared.
Charmed by her Godliness, he showered her with diamonds.
The wicked stepmother immediately ushered her own daughter out to reap the same benefits. This ill-tempered, spoiled child disgusted Dedt Moroz with her behaviour. He waved his arm and froze her for eternity.

Russian St. Nicholas
Combining the elements of religion, history and folklore, the Ukrainian people give us this special version of St. Nicholas. With the acceptance of Christianity in Kievan Rus in 988 AD under the rule of Vladimir The Great, along came the customs and pageantry for all the religious holidays, including Christmas.
Through the Centuries, Christianity spread North and Eastwards into the surrounding lands that would eventually become Russia. By the 1800’s, the Russian St. Nicholas was a figure carrying the punishment of Birch switches as well as gifts, symbolized by a Christmas tree. Now we can se both reward and punishment are retained in one elegant figure.

Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Myra
In many lands Santa Claus is also known as Saint Nicholas. Around 1,650 years ago, Saint Nicholas was Bishop of Myra, a town in Asia Minor which is now part of Turkey. He was called the “Boy Bishop” because he was so young for such an important position.
Saint Nicholas became so famous for his kindness and goodness in helping others that people made statues of him and painted his picture on church windows all over Europe.
Now he is remembered in many countries by lots of names, including Sankt Nikolaus, father Christmas, Pere Noel, Kriss Kringle, Santa Klaas, and Santa Claus.

Medieval Santa
Twelfth Century Europe was a time of castles and Kings, Wizards, Jesters and Gypsies. During the Christmas season, castle gates were left open. Holiday travellers on foot and horseback were made welcome … especially Santa.
The medieval Santa travelled through the countryside delivering his gifts from hamlet to town and spreading good cheer. Sometimes when his load was very heavy, folklore said he would be seen accompanied by the merry band of gnomes.

Victorian Santa
During the Victorian era, Santa Claus took extreme care and pride in his presentation to the public as a fine gentleman. With clay pipe, elegant costuming, and stylish manner, this Santa brought the finest gifts.
The Victorian World each year awaited this man to spread lots his affluence and bring abundant joy. Lucky were the children that he visited.

Kris Kringle
Christkind (Kris Kringle) means “Christ Child” in German and originally is applied to the Holy Infant who was thought to bring gifts on Christmas Eve. Gradually, it evolved into an angelic helper who brought the presents.
This figure carries a tiny Christmas tree. The household know he has been there by the ringing of a bell when the presents are all in place under the tree. He is expected each year by the people in Germany, Switzerland, Austria and with the Pennsylvania Dutch in America.