Presents, Traditions, and Wishes Around the World

Christmas – a time of peace, prosperity, and love. A time we spend with our closest and dearest. A time brimming with a familiar and cozy atmosphere and filled with holiday cookies, traditions, and customs we grew up with – the reasons why we love Christmas. And Christmas presents. And those who bring them to us.

However – does the same person bring gifts to everyone? There are customs and traditions characteristic of only certain countries, or only a few of them. For example, did you know…

That Santa Claus is called Papai Noel in Brazil? He pops up every Christmas in Brazil to bring presents, and the rest of the year, he is said to live somewhere far up north, near the Arctic, much like his counterparts in other traditions!

The Finnish believe that their Santa Claus, Joulupukki, lives somewhere up north in Finland. Traditionally, Joulupukki means “Yule Goat,” which is rooted in pre-Christian customs. While modern Finns imagine Santa in a sleigh with reindeer, some stories still depict him with ties to the goat, preserving these older traditions.

Well, now… If you’re in Italy, then the same presents will be delivered to you by a nice and friendly witch, La Befana, on Epiphany. Legend has it that the three wise men, on their way to see Jesus, met a witch who couldn’t come along to gift the child, but later on, she changed her mind and decided to do it anyway. However, she couldn’t find Jesus anymore, so now she’s giving presents to all children.

On the other hand, in Spain, the presents are delivered on Epiphany, or the Three Kings’ Day. They are handed personally by them, Los Reyes Magos. Without a witch.

Here in Croatia, like in some other countries, we can’t wait for the three wise men to waddle up to Jesus to get our little paws on those presents. That’s why we have Saint Nick, who turns up a full month earlier. Of course, only if we were nice. Otherwise, we get a twig.

Our neighbors, Hungarians, are traditionally gifted by Baby Jesus, not Santa Claus.

So, who to believe? From whom to expect presents? Be it as it may, it’s always nice to have all your options open and not push your luck so those presents don’t get lost on their way.

Therefore, don’t forget to:

1. Put a coin in your favorite Christmas cake.
2. Mix the Christmas pudding counterclockwise.
3. Hide all your brooms so that witches don’t creep into your house.

Well, there you go. If you don’t know which countries these customs come from, you might not be able to go unnoticed there. 😊 But if you do, then just blend in with the environment, and may you have a peaceful and blessed Christmas. And remember  – it is nice to receive, but it’s even nicer to give.

Merry Christmas!

Oh… And if you wish to know even more, match the following cards to learn the ten ways to say Merry Christmas in ten different countries.

Have fun!

If you like the game, share the joy with your friends and family! And if you know more ways to wish someone a Merry Christmas, get in touch and let us know!

In the meantime, enjoy your holidays and – Merry Christmas!