In Europe people celebrate the 6th of December as the day to honour Saint Nicolaus. He visits children accompanied by Knecht Ruprecht, who carries a sack of treats (if the kids were deemed to be GOOD) and a frightening looking bunch of broom (to punish the kids who had been BAD...child abuse here we come). Saint Nicolas comes dressed in Bishop's garb, and Knecht Ruprecht looks somewhat like the Gaucho below, except for the machete.
None of these characters ever slipped through chimneys, nor were driven by led lit rain deers, nor dressed in red and white funny suits. They just walked from house to house.
Neither one ever harmed any kids, all we feared were some intimidating growls from Knecht Ruprecht, but we all were inspired to behave, as the mere idea of this Ruprecht grumbling was enough to ensure perfect behaviour in children, at least for a couple of days before the eagerly awaited arrival of the pair.
After Saint Nicolas left (he always knew our misdeeds, and forgave them all) leaving cookies and small goodies behind (reversal of roles here) nothing much Christmassy happened until the very night of Christmas Eve, or Christmas Morn, depending on family preferences.
Only then was the Christmas tree revealed, nativity scene and all, lit with real candles on a real tree. Cannot remember a single house ever going up in flames (thanks to all the buckets of water resting just in case, beside the heap of presents under the tree). But the aroma of slightly singed pine needles remains with us throughout our lives.
In Argentina - it's the Day of the Gaucho.
