Cultures around the world have celebrated the midwinter end of the season's darkest days and rebirth of new life for centuries. Now, in much of the world, it's simply known as Christmastime.
In Iceland, Christmas includes a blend of religious and regional folklore. Traditions like gift-giving are familiar, but instead of a single Santa Claus-esque figure, Icelandic children are visited by 13 trolls known as the Yule Lads.
One of the less-festive Christmas legends is the story of Krampus, Santa's evil counterpart, who Austrian children believe will whisk them away in a basket if they're naughty.
In Germany, Santa Claus generally still takes the appearance of the traditional Roman Catholic bishop St. Nicholas. Kids prepare for his arrival by placing freshly polished boots outside their doors, along with carrots for the bishop's horse.