Traditional Legends

In our modern celebrations, Santa stands alone as the benevolent gift-giver, but history tells a different story. Once, Saint Nicholas traveled with companions, some gentle, some grim, each representing the balance between generosity and discipline.

When we think of Christmas figures, our minds often drift to Santa Claus, reindeer, or the Three Wise Men. Yet in Italy, a unique and fascinating character takes center stage during the holiday season: Befana, the Christmas witch.

Long before winter was a brightly lit jolly wonderland it was eternally cold and dark. A time in which people hid behind firmly closed doors and prayed they had enough food and heat to see them through to spring. Howls of hungry wolves cut through the chill air only to be outdone by howling frigid winds.

who is this international man of mystery? Where did Santa come from? Let’s hitch up the reindeer and take an evening flight.

As the Yuletide Season is fully upon us Elves everywhere have made appearances in homes around the world. Their purpose is to keep an eye on the children and to create some harmless mischief in the process. Elves have been part of the Christmas tradition for quite some time. Apparently, Santa could not do his job if not for his trusty little helpers. But cultures around the world have some form of elf folklore year-round.