The God was a patron of wisdom, and he held great respect for those who showed kindness and hospitality. During his Yule visits, he would leave gifts and treats for children who had been virtuous throughout the year. These gifts were often left in shoes or stockings hung by the hearth, a tradition that still echoes in our modern practices.

In the dead of night, he would silently enter homes, leaving behind tokens of his favour. He bestowed gifts to reward good behaviour and encouraged harmony among families during the harsh winter months. His reindeer were not the eight magical creatures we associate with Santa Claus today, but his eight-legged steed Sleipnir, who carried him swiftly from house to house.

Over time, as cultures intermingled and traditions evolved, the stories of Odin’s Yule visits blended with other customs and celebrations. The spread of Christianity further shaped these tales, leading to the transformation of Odin into the jolly figure of Santa Claus that we know today.