What does the German Santa Claus do?

Answer 1

The Nikolaus / Saint Nicholas, a figure inspired by the saint Nicholas of Myra, gives presents to children on the 6th December. Children put a shoe outside the door and on the morning of the 6th, the shoe is filled with candy and little presents, at least that is the most common practice. The Nikolaus may also come by in person, dressed in a bishop's robe or red coat, with a long beard and often carrying a bishop's crosier (pastortal staff). In some regions he has a helper named Knecht Ruprecht (among other names) who carries a rod to be given to children who did not behave in the past year.

The Nikolaus was actually the inspiration for Santa Claus. These days, the Nikolaus and Santa Claus exists side by side in Germany. Originally, presents were only given on the 6th of December and not on Christmas. The Protestant church does not condone the worship of saints, though, and so the Christkind was invented who brought presents on Christmas. It was meant to be Jesus Christ, but over the years developed into a childlike angel. Many people still tell their children that the Christkind brings the presents on Christmas instead of Santa Claus.