Saying goodbye to Santa Claus: how to correctly call this hero of the winter holidays in Ukrainian

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Santa Claus is a character who has long been associated with winter holidays in Ukraine, but his origin and symbolism have more in common with Soviet ideology than with authentic Ukrainian traditions.

Who was before Santa Claus

Before the advent of Soviet power, the main character of winter holidays in Ukraine was Saint Nicholas. He personified kindness, generosity and protection of children. In the evening, before Saint Nicholas Day, children would leave their boots or socks by the doorstep, hoping for gifts that the saint would bring.

Another interesting figure in Ukrainian folklore is Morozko or Ded Triskun, who acted as the lord of winter and cold. However, this figure was not associated with giving gifts and was more of a fairy-tale character.

How to call Santa Claus in Ukrainian

Santa Claus in Ukraine can be replaced by the following options:

• Saint Nicholas is the best alternative, with deep roots in Ukrainian culture and Christian tradition.
• Grandfather Winter is a character who can symbolize winter, frost, and the festive spirit.
• Morozenko is a derived name that sounds warm and at the same time reminds of Ukrainian folk motifs.
• Winter Wizard is a universal option for combining modern holiday ideas with folk themes.

By calling the main character of winter holidays with authentic names, we bring back Ukrainian traditions and symbols, emphasize the uniqueness of Ukrainian culture, and show children the importance of respecting their own history.

So, Grandfather Frost is a Soviet cliché that has no deep roots in Ukrainian tradition. Instead, returning to Saint Nicholas or creating new fairy-tale images helps not only preserve cultural heritage, but also adapt it to modern realities. By choosing Ukrainian analogues, we create a holiday that truly reflects the spirit of our nation.