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The three Magi and other gift-bringers from around the world
The day the three Magi met baby Jesus is celebrated on January 6
© Shutterstock
Cultures all over the world have tales of winter wizards and snow maidens who bring gifts to good children, many of them far pre-dating Santa Claus, who first appeared in the 1823 poem 'A Visit from St. Nicholas.' While the allure of Santa Claus has spread worldwide thanks to advertising and consumerism (we're looking at you, Coca-Cola), many countries have held onto their own traditions or melded them seamlessly with the new.
Click through this gallery to see the other magical figures who deliver gifts to children around the world, from gnomes to witches and more.
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