Description

Only in 12" Inch

St. Basil

Every year this generous Greek gift-giver is honored in Athens, where models of ships are carried by carolers collecting money for the poor.

Star Man

After the feast the children await the visit of the Star Man, also known as Swiety Nikotaj, with much excitement.  He is a more religious version of Santa Claus

Druid

Mistletoe was held sacred by the Druids, of Britain.  They cut it with golden sickles and distributed to the people during elaborate ceremonies.

Ukko

On Christmas Eve in Finland, Ukko arrives from Lapland on a sleigh.  Guided by reindeer, he was accompanied by elves who help to distribute presents.

Julenisse

Julenisse is the Christmas gift-giver of Norway and Denmark.  Children leave their shoes outside their house for the little elf with an old man's face to fill with sweets and presents.

Saturnalia King

Many of our modern Christmas customs evolved from the Saturnalia.  The Roman decorated their houses and temples with various evergreens such as laurel, holly and ivy.  Wreaths were hung and trees were decorated with small trinkets.

Judah Maccabee

He was the instrument for bringing the gift of freedom and light to the Jews.

Hoteiosho

Instead of adopting the American Santa Clause, the Japanese looked into their own tradition to find someone with similar characteristics.  This was Hoteiosho, an old Japanese god.

King Wenceslas

Good King Wenceslas is mainly known from the famous Christmas carol that bears his name.  Wenceslas, actually was a real king of Bohemia in Czechoslovakia.

Knickerbocker

The Knickerbocker flew over the roof tops of New Amsterdam with a horse and wagon.  He would draw magnificent presents from his breeches and drop them down the chimneys of his favorite children.

Samichlaus

Children eagerly await the sound of tinkling bells which announce Samichlaus's arrival at the door.

Grandfather Frost Snowmaiden

Some say the Snow Maiden was the daughter of Grandfather Frost and Mother Snow, sent to comfort a childless couple, for a time.  Others say she was really a spirit-princess come to earth.