Tio de Nadal - Spain

Tio de Nadal is one of the more, er, interesting Christmas traditions in Spain. Tio’s a wooden log that is fed nuts and dried fruit - and come Christmas morning, yep, he’s pooed out a whole lot of presents for the kids. The family thanks Tio by throwing the poor guy on the fire for Christmas warmth.

Krampus - Germany

Krampus serves as a sort of ‘anti-Santa’, who scares children if they have been particularly naughty the previous year. He’s a formidable creature, covered in hair and with a not-so-friendly face… However, what Krampus lacks in looks, he makes up in… nothing. He’s terrifying and mean, full stop.

Befana - Italy

Over in Italy, we have Befana - an entirely more lovable counterpart to Krampus, who recognises that kids can’t be angels all year round. She gives out presents to children on Epiphany Eve, and even the naughty ones get a treat - little lumps of coal made out of black sugar.

Julbock - Sweden

Say ‘hej’ to Julbock - your new favourite Swedish straw goat. Humbly starting life as one of Thor’s chariot pullers, Julbock has evolved into Sweden’s equivalent to Santa. Massive versions of Julbock are made in towns all across the country - like a 43 foot straw sculpture in Gavle.

Santa

Flying around the whole Earth in one day sounds like a lot of work for eight reindeer. But never fear - in Hawaii, Santa’s more inclined to paddle a canoe, whilst in Australia he’ll hop on a Kangaroo. He uses a humble donkey to trot around Switzerland, and eventually goes all out in the Czech Republic by dropping down from the skies on a golden cord.