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Pagosa Review: Okay, in America we call you Santa Claus. What are your other names?
Santa: As you said, in the United States and Canada, my name is Santa Claus.
In China, I am called Shengdan Laoren.
 In England, my name is Father Christmas , and I have a longer coat and a longer beard.
In France, I'm known as Pere Noel.
 In Germany, children get presents from Christindl (Kris Kringle), the Christ Child.
Customs of the Christmas Season in Spanish speaking countries have many similarities, and many variations. All of Latin America and Spain are predominantly Catholic. For many of these countries Baby Jesus, el Niño Jesus, brings gifts for children. In Costa Rica, Colombia, and parts of Mexico, the gift bearer is el Niño Jesus, "the infant Jesus." In Brazil and Peru, I am called Papa Noel.
In Puerto Rico, children receive gifts from the Three Kings on January 6th, also called the celebration of Epiphany, the 3 Kings' Day. Each child puts grass under their bed for the camels. In the morning the grass is replaced with gifts. Also, Puerto Rico, being part of the United States, does its major gift giving on December 25, with the Christmas Tree and me, Santa Claus - in this sense, Puerto Rico is totally Americanized.
In Italy Babbo Natale, which means Father Christmas, is my name. Children put a pair of their shoes by the door on the day before Epiphany and the following morning they find them filled with small gifts and candy. Italy, like Spain, Portugal and most of the Latin American nations ( or countries speaking Romance languages ), is mostly Catholic. December 25 is a day of more religious observance, remembering the birth of Christ. The Epiphany, called Little Christmas, is the day for gift giving. However, I do come on Christmas Eve in some parts of Italy.
In Spain children leave their shoes under the Christmas tree the night of January 5th and presents from the Three Kings (Los Reyes Magos: Melchor, Gaspar and Baltasar) appear the next morning. I am called Papa Noel and some children receive presents both days on December 24th (from me - Papa Noel) and on January 6th (from the Three Kings).
In Morocco I am known as Black Peter
In Japan, I am called Santa Clause or just "Santa". Some children often call me "Santa no ojisan," which means "Uncle Santa."
In Sweden I go by Jultomten and visit the evening before Christmas day, pulling a big bag of julklappar (Christmas presents) in the deep snow.
 In the Netherlands, I am called Kerstman.
In Finland, I am called called Joulupukki.
Sinter Klaas is my Dutch name. I get to ride a white horse, and leave gifts in wooden shoes.
In Russia, I am called Grandfather Frost.
Pagosa Review: Wow! That is a lot of names to remember! Santa, our time is almost up. Do you have any last minute words for the kids in Pagosa Springs?
Santa: Well, everyone needs to remember that it is not my name, or clothes, or how long my beard is that is important. The true importance of 'Santa' is my spirit - and that spirit should remain with you throughout the entire year.
Pagosa Review: Well thank you again .....
Santa: Wait a minute. There is one other thing ..... what is the best way for me to say this .... hmmmm, oh! I know. In a song!
Oh! You better watch out,
You better not cry,
You better not pout,
I'm telling you why,
Santa Claus is coming to town ..........
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