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# The Dutch were the first to speak of a merry old man in red and white clothes, with eight flying reindeer. He lived near the North Pole, filled stockings with presents, and came down the chimney. They called him Sinte Klass.
# When Moore wrote the poem "Twas the Night before Christmas", Santa Claus became popular in America.
# St. Nicholas was a bishop who gave money to the needy. In many countries he is the one who brings gifts. He is honored on Dec.6th.
# Father Christmas is known as an old man with a beard, dressed in a fur costume. Children in Finland wait for him to arrive on Christmas Eve.
# In France Pere Noel is a kindly old man who travels through the countryside on Christmas Eve and leaves gifts in "sabots" or wooden shoes.
# The Scandinavians have a Christmas elf dressed in a red suit and long white beard. He is called Julenisse. He brings gifts for the children.
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Christmas Traditions 
