Santa Claus and Grandfather Frost visited children in Slovenia

Father Christmas or Grandfather Frost is a mythological figure who brings gifts to children in the week before New Year’s Eve or in the evening of December 31^st to be opened on New Year’s Day.

The character of Father Christmas has been known since the times of former Yugoslavia. The religion was not particularly appreciated in public under socialism, therefore the public celebrations of Christmas or Saint Nickolas were not allowed. The only mythological figure allowed under communism was the Russian Father Christmas.

The figure of Father Christmas is still present in schools, kindergartens, some companies (he brings presents for the children of the employed) and at public events organized for children in larger towns.

  

Santa Claus

The character became popular only when Slovenia gained independence (in the 1990’s). Before that, we used to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ on Christmas day. Recently, with the process of Americanisation, all the American celebrations were introduced to us as well, including the American Christmas celebration and the figure of Santa Claus. It is popular especially among atheists; the Christians, on the other hand, prefer Saint Nicholas.

Children in Slovenia are very lucky, since three men bring them presents.