We’ve all grown up with the image of Santa Claus, a jolly old man in a red suit and white beard, laughing heartily “Ho Ho Ho” as he soars across the night sky in a sleigh led by reindeer, delivering gifts on Christmas Eve. This character is inspired by Saint Nicholas, a 4th-century Christian bishop known for his generosity.
But did you know that there are many cultures around the world that spotlight women as the central bearers of holiday cheer? That’s right—female gift-givers have been spreading their own brand of Christmas magic for centuries, blending warmth, whimsy, and a touch of mystery.
This year, let’s shift the spotlight to these fascinating women of Christmas. After all, who says the spirit of giving is a man’s job?
Christkindl (Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Croatia and few other European countries)
In countries like Germany and Austria, a gentle and angelic figure known as Christkindl (meaning “Christ Child”) brings gifts on Christmas Eve. Representing purity and grace, Christkindl is usually depicted as a beautiful young girl with long golden hair, dressed in white robes and adorned with a radiant crown. Sometimes, she is imagined as a cherubic child symbolizing Jesus himself, reflecting the Protestant tradition that Christ is the true gift-bringer, rather than a mythical figure like Santa Claus.
La Befana (Italy)
This kind-hearted, broomstick-riding witch delivers presents to children on the night of January 5, marking the Epiphany. According to legend, when the Three Wise Men invited her to join their journey to Bethlehem, she initially declined, being preoccupied with housework. Regretting her decision, she set off to find the Christ child, but never reached him. Since then, she roams the world each year, leaving gifts for good children and coal or sticks for the naughty ones.
La Befana is a beloved symbol of generosity and redemption, despite her slightly spooky appearance. She even tidies up the houses she visits, sweeping floors with her broom—a practical and magical touch that endears her to many.
Tante Arie (France)
Also known as Aunt Arie, this intriguing Christmas figure is described as a fairy-like figure with iron teeth and goose feet (or simply old-fashioned shoes). She travels with her trusty donkey, Marion, delivering fruits and cakes to well-behaved children on Christmas Eve. Rooted in the folklore of the Franche-Comté region, she is said to be the spirit of Henriette de Montbéliard, a 15th-century countess. Children often leave carrots and turnips for Marion as they eagerly await Tante Arie’s arrival. Her story blends the practical and the magical, reflecting the agrarian roots of the region where food was a cherished gift.
Frau Holle (Germany)
In German folklore, Frau Holle is a multifaceted figure associated with winter, spinning, and the rewards of hard work. Known for her obsession with spinning thread, she rewards diligent spinners with gifts and punishes the lazy by breaking their tools or burning their thread. On Epiphany, she is welcomed into homes with a bowl of milk and crossed spoons placed outside, and her rearrangement of the spoons is believed to foretell the family’s fortune for the coming year.
If snow falls, locals say it’s Frau Holle shaking out her feather bed, scattering feathers across the sky. This blend of domesticity and mysticism has made her a beloved yet slightly fearsome figure in German holiday lore.
The Darker Side of Female Christmas Figures
While many female Christmas characters spread joy, others lean toward the darker side of the season.
Frau Gaude (Germany): Known to bring bad luck to homes she visits.
Perchta (Austria): This chilling figure punishes the lazy by slitting their bellies and stuffing them with straw if they haven’t eaten properly or worked hard enough.
Grýla (Iceland): A fearsome troll who descends from the mountains to eat misbehaving children. Grýla’s legend is one of Iceland’s most spine-tingling holiday traditions, serving as a cautionary tale for kids.
Mrs. Claus
Often portrayed as the warm and nurturing partner of Santa, she is the heart of the North Pole, baking cookies, caring for the reindeer, and helping the elves prepare toys. While she might not be as famous as her husband, Mrs. Claus reminds us of the quiet strength behind the magic of Christmas.
Here’s to all the women who make Christmas brighter—whether through folklore or in real life. Cheers to the She-Santa Clauses of the world! 🎄
By Deepa Perumal
Deepa Perumal is a Management professional, and a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment. As a career mentor, entrepreneur, and multilingual author, she shares her insights through blogging and writing features on history, world cultures, travelogues and memoirs. Contact her at deepabperumal@gmail.com
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