Meet the World’s Gift-Bringers: Global Santas & Giving Traditions
Across the world, Christmas gift-giving is shaped by folklore, religion, climate, storytelling and centuries of cultural evolution.
While the modern “Santa Claus” is widely recognised globally, dozens of regions maintain their own beloved gift-bearing figures, each with their own names, traditions, dates, symbolism, and rituals.
At Allwag Promotions, we work with a wide range of companies that have clients and teams around the world. Celebrate their culture this festive season with a gift that truly represents it, whether that’s with branded mince pies for UK-based companies, custom gingerbread biscuits for clients in Germany or a warming candle for those embracing hygge in Scandinavia.
Explore this guide to discover the gifting traditions your recipients will celebrate!
United Kingdom: Father Christmas
Father Christmas has origins that long predate the modern Santa Claus. He originally represented feasting, good cheer, and hospitality instead of gift giving. Over time, his persona merged with the American Santa Claus.
- Present giving on Christmas morning and smaller gifts on Boxing Day
- Pulling Christmas crackers at the dinner table
- Hanging stockings at the end of children's beds
- Leaving mince pies for Father Christmas
- Taking part in Boxing Day charity events and sales
Explore our Christmas gifting range to find the right gifts for your colleagues and clients.
United States: Santa Claus
Santa Claus in the United States is shaped by Dutch traditions, British Father Christmas, and old Norse stories.
- Gift opening on Christmas morning
- Stockings filled overnight on Christmas Eve
- Cookies and milk left for Santa
- Reindeer mythology (Rudolph from 1939)
- Letters mailed to the North Pole
- Massive Christmas shopping season
Share the festive spirit with American clients by choosing seasonal promotional items.
The Netherlands: Sinterklaas
Sinterklaas is deeply rooted in Dutch culture, arriving mid-November from Spain, leading to Sinterklaasavond on Dec 5th.
- Leaving shoes by the fireplace with carrots for his horse
- Children receiving chocolate letters, marzipan and oranges
- Gifts with playful poems
- Elaborate "surprise" wrapping disguises the gift
Corporate Sinterklaas gifting ideas: branded stationery, trolley coins, or USB sticks.
Germany: Der Weihnachtsmann
Der Weihnachtsmann brings gifts on Dec 24th; St Nicholas Day is Dec 6th.
- Weihnachtsmärkte (Christmas markets)
- Advent calendars and wreaths
- Gingerbread, stollen and mulled wine
German-inspired gifting: Christmas Mug Combo, Recycled Plastic Bauble.
Austria & Switzerland: Christkind
The Christkind delivers presents on Christmas Eve.
- A bell signals the Christkind's arrival
- Gifts appear under the tree while children wait
- Families share cookies, candles and warm drinks
Branded gift ideas: Plant Based Wax Candle, Vintage Ceramic Mug.
Spain & Latin America: Los Reyes Magos & Niño Dios
Los Reyes Magos bring gifts on Jan 6th, with traditions like leaving shoes and Rosca de Reyes cake.
- Shoes left out to receive presents
- Rosca de Reyes cake with hidden figurines
- Grass or food left for camels
Magi-inspired gifts: A5 Week to View Diary, Double Wall Mug.
Iceland: The 13 Yule Lads
Thirteen mischievous Yule Lads visit children one by one from Dec 12–24.
- Leaving shoes on windowsills
- Good children get sweets and small gifts
- The Yule Cat punishes those without new clothes
Yule Lad-themed gifting: branded spoons, printed bowls, and other branded merchandise.
Finland: Joulupukki
Joulupukki, originating from the ancient Yule Goat, has transformed into a friendly gift-giver.
- Relaxing in the sauna on Christmas Eve
- Visits from Joulupukki in person
- Festivities in Rovaniemi, Santa’s “official home”
Nordic-themed corporate gifts: Tote Bags, Star Tea Filter, and branded blankets.
Scandinavia: Nisse/Tomten/Julemanden
Nisse and Tomten are Norse household spirits; Julemanden is Danish Santa Claus.
- Gift day is Christmas Eve
- Leaving rice porridge as offering
- Protecting barn and homestead
- Receiving gifts from Julemanden
Scandi-inspired gifts: branded chocolate, warm gloves, bamboo products.
France: Père Noël
Père Noël visits children on Christmas Eve or morning.
- Leaving shoes by the fireplace
- Leaving carrots for his donkey
- Enjoying festive desserts like Bûche de Noël
- Attending local Christmas markets
Branded gifts: Sustainable Soft Toys and Chocolate Santa.
Brazil: Papai Noel and Amigo Secreto
Papai Noel is the Brazilian Santa; “Amigo Secreto” is a gift exchange among family, friends, and coworkers.
- Gifts exchanged on Dec 24th or 25th
- Secret gift drawing games
- Decorations, beach gatherings, and tropical celebrations
Corporate gifting: customised gifts, branded mugs, chocolate gifts.
No matter where in the world your colleagues or clients are, understanding local gift-giving traditions ensures your festive gifts are thoughtful, respectful and memorable. At Allwag, we’ve curated a wide range of branded corporate gifts that can be personalised to suit different cultures, festive styles and business needs. Explore our 2025 Christmas Gift Guide for inspiration and find the perfect gifts to delight your international teams and clients.
Continue exploring our festive gifting series:
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