Father Christmas, Santa, Pere Noel

Santa is called so many things worldwide. Here are some of the ones I have tracked down:
England – Father Christmas
Finland – Joulupukki (Old Man Christmas)
France – Pere Noel
Germany – Weihnachtsmann (Christmas Man), Nikolaus
Hawaii Kanakaloka
Netherland – Kerstman
Iceland – Jolasveinn
Italy – Babbo Natale
Japan – Santa Kurousu, Hoteiosho (a god or priest who bears gifts)
Mexico – San Nicolas, Santa
Norway – Julenissen (Christmas gnome)
Poland -Swiety Mikolaj (St. Nicholas)
Russia -Ded Moroz (Grandfather Frost)
Spain – Papa Noel
Sweden – Jultomten (Christmas brownie)
Switzerland – Saint Nicholas, Chriskind
Interesting I think ... but obviously Santa is recognized, if not revered in so many countries, languages and cultures.
I pay my respects to Santa [Father Christmas] with a sculpture, usually turning into a small vignette before I'm done.
I will let my pictures do most of the work for this one. Again ... all "found" materials except my sculpting materials. These stand 20 - 25 inches when complete.
This is my work from 2008 [Sold]

All my Father Christmases carry a tree ... ready to pop up if mom and dad have been too busy to get one ready! Anyone remember the days when everything came on Christmas Eve?? Tree and all ........ phew!! I do!
We know that Santas carry lots of toys for good girls and boys. My Santas also carry a piece of coal ;-) for the other kinds! People seem to get a real charge out of that!

Santa MUST have high boots to get through all that snow and ice and in warmer climes, to protect him from such things as snake bites. These are completely handmade.

Will post other pictures as I can. Hope this brings a smile to a face or two today. Be kind to each other ... there's always someone waiting to add to your bag of rocks ... others carry theirs too!