In Finland, what is the name of the Christmas gift-giver?

In Finland, the Christmas gift-giver is called Joulupukki.

Joulupukki is often translated as “Christmas goat” or “Yule goat,” reflecting an older Nordic tradition in which costumed figures visited communities during the winter season. Over time, the Finnish character absorbed features associated with the international Santa Claus, including a red suit, reindeer and gift-giving.

Finnish tradition places Joulupukki’s legendary home at Korvatunturi, a fell in Finnish Lapland. Its name means “Ear Mountain,” and folklore says its ear-like shape allows Joulupukki and his helpers to hear children’s wishes. In modern Finnish celebrations, he may appear in person and distribute presents on Christmas Eve.

Joulupukki is not the same name as Germany’s Weihnachtsmann, Norway’s Julenissen or Sweden’s Tomte. Those are related European Christmas figures, but Joulupukki is the distinctive Finnish name and tradition.