Ukrposhta opened the postal residence of St. Nicholas

Winter wizards in different countries of the world

Ukraine

Nikolay the Miracle Worker has long been revered in Ukraine. According to the Orthodox tradition, he is the patron saint of travelers, prisoners and orphans. Among Catholics, he is the patron saint, mainly of children. It was from Galicia that the custom spread throughout Ukraine, according to which St. Nikolai gives gifts to children.

Now Ukrainians will celebrate St. Nicholas Day on December 6 (instead of December 19, as it used to be). In 2023, this day falls on a Wednesday. Therefore, the saint will visit the homes of Ukrainians and put his gifts under the children's pillows on Wednesday night.

Poland

As the legend goes, Saint Nicholas" (Święty Mikołaj) left golden apples in a shoebox in front of the fireplace to the family that sheltered him. He rides a horse, dressed in a miter and a white episcopal mantle. He is always accompanied by the servant-monkey Cherny Peter, who carries a bag with gifts for obedient children on his back, and in his hands - rods for naughty ones.

Sweden

In this country, the bearded wizard is called Tomte, and he brings gifts for Christmas, not for New Year's, as in most other Catholic countries.

USA

Children come to Santa Claus and make wishes. Also, there is a very interesting feature that is not shown to us in the movies, but which actually happens in the USA every day - the police demonstratively catches the Grinch, who wants to steal Christmas.

Source: freepik

France

In France, this is Per Noel, in translation his name means Father Christmas. Per Noel looks like Santa, but instead of reindeer he rides a donkey. On New Year's Eve, it goes down the chimney into the house, where children leave clogs and empty wooden shoes in front of the fireplace in the living room and politely go to bed.

Italy

Babbo-Natale loves milk and chimneys. On New Year's Eve, a cup of his favorite drink is always left for him. The magical fairy Befana walks with Babbo Natale and leads a donkey with a bag of gifts. She unlocks the house with a golden key and puts the expected New Year's surprises in the children's shoes.

Germany

Germans prefer to delight their children with gifts for Christmas. On this night, the world-famous Santa Claus traditionally visits them. He arrives on a donkey on Christmas Eve. Santa puts his gifts in a plate that the children put for him. Also, the kids don't forget about a treat for the donkey. They put hay in the boots for Santa's faithful friend.

Finland

New Year's grandfather in Finland is called Joulupukki, which translates as "Christmas goat". Earlier it was believed that this is a scary character who wears a mask with horns. However, he has improved and now flies from Lapland on the eve of Christmas to deliver the gifts to the children that they wrote about in their letters. Sometimes the children thank their grandfather and sing carols for him.

Czech Republic and Slovakia

In the Czech Republic and Slovakia, it is also customary to celebrate Christmas with gifts. And they are happy on this holiday of Nicholas. He is dressed in a furry fur coat and a tall sheepskin hat. Behind him is a box with gifts that he gives only to obedient children.