Christmas is an international holiday that is celebrated around the world yet not everyone knows about the characters that make up Christmas outside of the United States. So as a Christmas present here are five holiday characters from different countries.
- Ded Moroz and Snegurochka (Sne-gu-roch-ka) (Ded-mor-oz)

Ded Moroz, also known as Father Frost, and Snegurochka, also known as the Snow Maiden are both popular characters in Eastern Europe. There are many different versions of Ded Moroz’s story but one of them is that back then he used to kidnap children and demand presents as ransom from the child’s parents. Now he rides his troika, which is a sort of sleigh or carriage, and gives good children presents as a way to repay his mistakes. His granddaughter or daughter, depending on the story, Snegurochka comes with him on his present deliveries. There are also different forms of Snegurochka; some are that she was a snow girl that came to life, others are that she is the daughter of Spring and Ded Moroz. (Wikipedia) (Wikipedia) (Russian American Company) (Odyssey)

- Befana (Be-fa-na)

Befana is a witch that gives presents to children on Epiphany Eve and has roots in Italian culture. She is said to live in a cave in the mountains. On Epiphany Eve or Three Kings Day (January 5th), she flys her broom backwards and gives toys to good children and garlic or cinder to bad children. Children who see her when she is delivering her treats would get gently thumped on the shoulder by her broom as punishment. She is also said to sweep the floor before she leaves the house she is visiting because she is known for her good housekeeping. (Wikipedia)
3.Christkind

Christkind is a little angel that gives presents to children on Christmas. Christkind has roots in many countries around the world such as Austria, Hungary, Areas of northeastern France, Belgium and even parts of South America. Christkind is said to deliver presents with Saint Nicholas. The common tradition is that Christkind would come into the house, put gifts under the tree, and ring a bell when finished. This tells the children they are allowed to come into the room to see their gifts. The children cannot spy on Christkind because he might not come and give them presents. (Wikipedia)
- Yule Tomte

Yule Tomte are spirit or gnome-like creatures that are protectors and house cleaners in Swedish, Norwegian and Finnish homes. On Christmas Eve, families are expected to give their Yule Tomte their favorite food. Christmas porridge with extra butter is a sign of thanks and respect. If the family forgets to give their Yule Tomte Christmas porridge then the Yule Tomte would cause mischief like Elf on the Shelf in America. (Cloudberry)
- Los Reyes Magos

Los Reyes Magos or the Three Kings are important characters in Christmas but they have a special role in Spain. On Three Kings Day or Dia de los Reyes the Reyes Magos come to houses and give children presents like Santa Claus. Senora Bergmann,who is a Spanish teacher at James Caldwell High School,says that children will “write letters to the Reyes Magos instead of Santa Claus asking for specific presents” which is another connection between these characters. Children are also expected to put out treats for the Three Kings and hay or straw out for their camels just like some do for Santa Claus and his reindeers. (The Spanish Easy)