18th C. Father Christmas:   England

A jolly reveler in England who celebrated with feasting, drinking and merriment in honour of both the Winter Solstice and Christmas. Although he was not a religious figure, he was one in a succession of English replacements for St. Nicholas after the Protestant Reformation. A full, red, fur trimmed coat and holly in his hair were his noted features.
Father Christmas was not associated with gift-bringing or children until the 19th century when his appearance also changed.