Four thousand years of festivity

Mid winter has long been a time of celebration. Ancient Egyptians and early Europeans marked the winter solstice – the rebirth of the sun – and the Romans held Saturnalia, to honour the pagan god of plenty
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Jultomte/Julenisse: Gnome delivers gifts in goat-drawn sleigh in Scandinavia

Babushka: Elderly Russian woman who refused chance to join wise men seeking Jesus, delivers presents on January 6 – Three Kings Day

Gift- giving: Custom traced back to Roman Saturnalia

Evergreens: Venerated in northern Europe by Druids and Vikings as symbol
of everlasting life. Christmas trees were common in pagan Rome – modern tradition began in Germany in 15th century

La Befana: In Italy, gift-giver is wandering woman similar to Babushka

St. Nicholas: Born around 280 AD near Myra in modern-day Turkey. Much admired for his piety and kindness. Patron saint of children and sailors

Dutch settlers introduced St. Nicholas to America as Sinterklaas, which
later became Santa Claus. Also known as Father Christmas, Père Noël in France, and Papa Noel in Spanish- speaking world

Three Kings: Twelve days of Christmas end with Feast of Epiphany. Legend says wise men, or Magi, followed bright star to Bethlehem to present infant Christ with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Orthodox Church and Hispanic world celebrate by exchanging gifts on January 6