Christmas traditions around the world: How does Santa Claus give gifts to children?

Christmas is a time that is associated with warmth, closeness and – most importantly for children – waiting for a mysterious guest with a white beard in almost every corner of the globe. Although the goal is the same everywhere: to bring a smile to a child's face, the paths leading to this moment can be surprisingly different. As Elves, we have been contributing to this magic for years by delivering personalised messages straight from Lapland. So we decided to take a look at how diverse Christmas customs can be.

The global faces of Santa Claus

In Poland, Santa Claus visits us twice. First, he appears on 6 December, leaving small gifts in shoes or under pillows, and then he returns on Christmas Eve. Then the presents end up under the Christmas tree, often with the help of an elf or an angel. However, you only need to look a little further to discover a completely different approach to this tradition. In the United States, Santa Claus enters homes through the chimney to leave gifts in stockings hung on the fireplace. In return, he expects a sweet treat – a glass of milk and a plate of cookies.

The situation is completely different in sunny Italy. Children there have to be very patient, because they have to wait until January for the main gift-giver. This is La Befana – an old woman flying on a broomstick, who brings sweets to well-behaved children and coal to those who are less obedient. It is worth remembering that regardless of geographical location, this character always arouses great emotions and remains a symbol of selfless kindness.

Personalisation of emotions, or technology in the service of tradition

Customs evolve, and modernity allows us to be even closer to magical characters. Today, Santa Claus not only sends traditional letters in elegant envelopes with a gold seal. Thanks to the Elfi platform, he can speak directly to the child through a personalised video recording.

While in many countries children leave letters on windowsills, parents can go a step further. Imagine the look on your little one's face when Santa Claus says their name from the computer or TV screen, shows photos from their last holiday and praises them for specific achievements – for example, for being brave at nursery or keeping their room tidy. It is this combination of tradition and individual approach that makes the belief in the magic of Christmas stronger than ever.

What do all children around the world have in common?

Despite differences in Christmas Eve menus or gift-giving dates, one element remains the same: the desire to be noticed. As psychologists working with Elfi point out, the moment a child feels that Santa Claus really remembers them – knows their successes and small steps taken during the year – it builds their confidence and self-esteem in an incredible way.

Supporting a child's development through such fun is a mission that knows no language barriers. Whether the letter from Lapland goes to France, Germany or Brazil, the joy of a personal message is universal. It's more than just a gift – it's about building beautiful memories that stay with us throughout our adult lives.

Create your own tradition with Elfi

If you want this year's Christmas to be extra special in your home, take advantage of the solutions offered by Elfi. Intuitive personalisation takes just 5 minutes, and you'll receive a cinema-quality video or letter that will become a keepsake for years to come. You can choose a classic message from Lapland or opt for full interaction with a new film prepared for the upcoming season. Importantly, by ordering such gifts, you support the Children's Foundation ‘Zdążyć z Pomocą’ (Help on Time), passing on a piece of the goodness that is most important during this period.

Remember that magic does not happen on its own – we create it by paying attention to details and making our children feel special during this most important time of the year.

Summary Christmas traditions around the world form a fascinating mosaic – from Italy's La Befana to American stockings on the fireplace. Although the forms of gift-giving change, the foundation always remains the same: joy and the desire to surprise someone. Elfi helps to cherish these moments by combining classic letter writing with modern technology. Thanks to this, every child can feel like a real hero of the Christmas story.