Did you know about Joulupukki, Yule Bock, Julbock or Yule Goat? That's perhaps the earliest form of scandinavian "santa claus" there is. I'm almost inclined to believe most of the characteristics of santa claus were based on this ancient goat sacrifice tradition that later begat wondering yule goats who went from house to house scaring the living daylights out of people so they'd give them gifts to leave their families alone.

Or at least that's how it could have been. I'm not sure if anyone was really scared of the yule bock, it was just a tradition after all. Interesting and fun to read about it though. :)