The Christkind ("Christ Child") is the traditional Christmas giftbringer in Southern Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Liechtenstein. Originally invented by Martin Luther, it was adopted in catholic areas during the 19th century, while it began to be gradually replaced by the secular Weihnachtsmann ("christmas man") in protestant regions. Christmas (literally, the Mass of Christ) is a holiday in the Christian calendar, usually observed on December 25, which celebrates the birth of Jesus. ... Luther at age 46 (Lucas Cranach the Elder, 1529) The Luther seal Martin Luther (November 10, 1483–February 18, 1546) was a German theologian, an Augustinian monk, and an ecclesiastical reformer whose teachings inspired the Reformation and deeply influenced the doctrines and culture of the Lutheran and Protestant traditions. ... Protestantism is a general grouping of denominations within Christianity. ...

The Christkind is a sprite-like child, usually depicted with blond hair and angelic wings. It is presumed by some to be the incarnation of Jesus as an infant, but seems to be rooted in the Alsatian-born myth of a child bringing gifts to the baby Jesus. Children never see the Christkind, as parents will always tell them that the Christkind just disappeared before they came. Blond hair Blond (feminine, blonde) is a hair color found in certain mammals characterised by low levels of the dark pigment eumelanin and higher levels of the pale pigment phæomelanin, in common with red hair. ... The Annunciation - the Angel Gabriel announces to Mary that she will bear Jesus (El Greco, 1575) An angel is an ethereal being (meaning it is of the air)whose duties are to assist and serve God or the gods of many religious traditions. ... Jesus, also known as Jesus of Nazareth or Jesus Christ, is the central figure of Christianity, most of the adherents of which worship him as the Messiah, son of God, and God incarnate. ... Capital Strasbourg Land area¹ 8,280 km² Regional President Adrien Zeller (UMP) (since 1996) Population  - Jan. ...

Since the 1990s, the Christkind is facing increasing competition from the Weihnachtsmann in the American version of Santa Claus, simply for the reason that adults dressing up as Santa Claus can be hired to stand in front of department stores, other than the Christkind, which is supposed to be a child and very elusive. // Events and trends The 1990s are generally classified as having moved slightly away from the more conservative 1980s, but otherwise retaining a similar mindset. ... A common portrayal of Santa Claus. ... A JC Penney department store. ...