Smiles, laughs and joy are in abundance this time of the year. The embodiment of the festive season is none other than Santa Claus. While the iconic image of a red-suited, bearded man with rosy cheeks is widely recognized in Western cultures, there are many different versions of Santa Claus around the world.  

These are some of the many versions of Santa Claus that showcase that kindness and generosity know no borders.  

Sinterklaas

The myth of Sinterklaas started in the Middle Ages in Holland. He is based on Saint Nicholas and is one of the inspirations of Santa Claus, hence why their names are so similar and their looks are almost the same. He's a tall old man, he wears a red cape and a big red hat and has a long white beard. Their difference is that Sinterklaas isn't as jolly as Santa, and instead of reindeers, he is accompanied by his trusty horse, Amerigo. If you're well-behaved, he will bring you your gifts on December 5, on Saint Nicholas Eve. But if you're on his naughty list, get ready for a trip to Spain, which may not sound that bad, depending on how you look at it. Especially compared to the next entry. 

Krampus

Amu Nowruz, also called Papa Nowruz, appears every beginning of the year's Spring, accompanied by Haji Firuz, to celebrate the start of the Iranian New Year, Nowruz. He is also white-haired with a long beard and visits the children to give them gifts. His companion Haji Firuz plays the tambourine, sings and asks for money, while Papa Nowruz is giving out gifts. 

Christkind

Martin Luther, the creator and leader of the Protestant Church during the 16th century, believed that praying to Saints was idolatry and wanted to shift the focus away from Saint Nicholas. He came up with Christkind, which is often portrayed as a girl. She looks like an angel and has wavy blond hair, angel wings and a white-golden dress. Christkind gives gifts to children during Christmas in Central European countries such as Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg and many others.

La Befana

La Befana, also called the Christmas Witch, is an old witch wearing a black shawl covered in soot, according to Italian folklore. She doesn't have any fluffy animals to help her travel from one house to another, she instead uses her broom to get around. On the night of January 5, she crawls through the chimney. If you've been good, she'll give you candy and toys. But if you were a little rascal, you'd get garlic or coal. 

Ded Moroz 

Ded Moroz's myth started in Slavic folklore and the literal translation of his name means Grandfather Frost. He doesn't look too different from the Western version of Santa Claus. He's taller and his coat is red like Santa's, but he also wears a blue variant. He walks with a magic stick and is accompanied by his granddaughter, Snegurochka, who helps him in giving out gifts on New Year's Eve.

The many different versions of Santa Claus from around the world are a beautiful reminder of the world's rich and varied cultures. Despite their differences, their message of generosity and spreading joy remains the same.