7. December – Advent Calendar

Christmas Traditions in English Speaking Countries

Santa’s Reindeer

Everybody knows that in English speaking countries, Santa travels through the sky in his sleigh, which is drawn by eight reindeer. They even have names: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donder, Blitzen.

These names, as well as the idea of Santa climbing through the chimney, go back to the poem „A night before Christmas“.

By the way, the names Donder and Blitzen are of Dutch or German origin and mean Thunder and Lightning.