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Chapter 2

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

EACH year, Santa Claus visits the Royal Navy Submarine Museum in Gosport, Hampshire, giving out presents to followers of the Christian faith from his grotto inside a Second World War submarine.

Whether squeezing down the hatch of a submarine, or coming down the chimney, Santa arrives in many ways. And he’s not always a portly figure with a bushy beard…

Bosnia

The children of Bosnia receive their presents from Grandfather Frost.

California

In the US state of California, Santa Claus arrives on a surfboard.

China

Christmas presents are delivered to children in China by Dun Che Lao Ren, the Christmas Old Man.

Hawaii

On the island of Hawaii, Santa Claus arrives by canoe.

Japan

In Japan, children receive their presents from a Buddhist monk by the name of Hotei-osho. Hotei-osho is said to have eyes in the back of his head, and can see if children misbehave.

Syria

The children of Syria receive gifts from one of the Wise Men’s camels. The camel is thought to have been the smallest one in the Wise Men’s caravan.

Ukraine

Whilst the children of the Ukraine sleep, they are visited by Father Frost, travelling in a sleigh pulled by three reindeer.

Father Frost is joined on his travels by the Snowflake Girl, who wears a snowflake-shaped crown and a blue costume with white fur trim.