Old Slavic folk figure, revived by the USSR to replace christian Christmas traditions and still popular. Stalin ordered his coat be only blue so as to not confuse the Soviet figure with Santa Claus
2. Niño Dios ('Child Jesus')
Common across Latin America, but particularly venerated at Christmas in Mexico and often elaborately costumed
3. Jultomte ('Christmas Gnome')
Gnomes are common in Scandinavian folklore, and eventually evolved into gift-givers, variations of which exist across the Nordic countries
4. Jólasveinar ('Yule Lads')
Folkloric trickers who evolved into the role of Santa Claus - traditionally there are 13 of them
5. Reyes Magos ('The Magi')
The biblical three kings bring gifts to children at Epiphany in several countries, particularly in the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico
6. Christkindl ('Christ Child')
A Southern German tradition, a beautiful angel brings gifts in place of the actual child Jesus
7. St. Basil of Caesarea
By Greek tradtion, St. Basil (instead of St. Nicholas) brings gifts to children on St. Basil's day, January 1st
8. The Littlest Camel
In line with the importance that camels hold in Syrian tradition, it is the Smallest Camel of the Wise Men who brings gifts for the kids on the Eve of Christmas.
9. Belfana (name origin unclear)
A witch-like figure who bring children gifts on Epiphany Eve (January 5th)
10. Olentzero ('time of the good ones')
Initially a giant in Basque folklore, Olentzero has become a beloved bringer of Christmas gifts in recent decades
11. Ježíšek ('Child Jesus')
A variation on the Christkindl found across the German-speaking world
12. Joulupukki ('Yule Goat')
Once the primary gift-givers in Nordic countries, yule goats no longer play this role. Finland kept 'Joulupukki' as their name for Santa Claus, and goats remain a symbol of Christmas