<P> The tradition of Santa Claus entering dwellings through the chimney is shared by many European seasonal gift - givers . In pre-Christian Norse tradition, Odin would often enter through chimneys and fire holes on the solstice . In the Italian Befana tradition, the gift - giving witch is perpetually covered with soot from her trips down the chimneys of children's homes . In the tale of Saint Nicholas, the saint tossed coins through a window, and, in a later version of the tale, down a chimney when he finds the window locked . In Dutch artist Jan Steen's painting, The Feast of Saint Nicholas, adults and toddlers are glancing up a chimney with amazement on their faces while other children play with their toys . The hearth was held sacred in primitive belief as a source of beneficence, and popular belief had elves and fairies bringing gifts to the house through this portal . Santa's entrance into homes on Christmas Eve via the chimney was made part of American tradition through the poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas" where the author described him as an elf . </P> <P> In the United States and Canada, children traditionally leave Santa a glass of milk and a plate of cookies; in Britain and Australia, he is sometimes given sherry or beer, and mince pies instead . In Denmark, Norway and Sweden, it is common for children to leave him rice porridge with cinnamon sugar instead . In Ireland it is popular to give him Guinness or milk, along with Christmas pudding or mince pies . </P> <P> In Hungary, St. Nicolaus (Mikulás) comes on the night of 5 December and the children get their gifts the next morning . They get sweets in a bag if they were good, and a golden colored birch switch if not . On Christmas Eve "Little Jesus" comes and gives gifts for everyone . </P> <P> In Slovenia, Saint Nicholas (Miklavž) also brings small gifts for good children on the eve of 6 December . Božiček (Christmas Man) brings gifts on the eve of 25 December, and Dedek Mraz (Grandfather Frost) brings gifts in the evening of 31 December to be opened on New Years Day . </P>

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