By: Jason Li

There are many differences and similarities between different cultures’ Santa Claus.

For example, in France, their Santa wears a red fur-lined hood and has a companion that spanks naughty kids instead of flying around like Rudolph. Very different from our holly, jolly, man in red!

In Italy, kids look forward to the ‘Christmas Witch’. According to local folklore, Three wise men were looking for baby Jesus. They asked an old lady to join them, but she refused, stating that she needed to clean her home. Now, this old lady flies around on a broomstick, giving the good kids presents and candy, but giving naughty kids coal. She also cleans homes on her visits and is left with wine and traditional treats.

This is just a small insight into the rest of the world’s Christmas spirit!