Belfana, the witch in Italy:
Forget Santa and December 25th when in Italy, as all the action takes place on the eve of 5th January. According to folklore, an old woman named Belfana visits all the children of Italy to fill their stockings with candy and leave them presents if they've been good. Just like Father Christmas, Belfana enters through the chimney and is left treats by the children who live there - typically wine and local delicacies.