I haven't studied it, but I'd imagine there would be more midwinter festivals the farther you got from the equator. But then middle eastern religions expanding everywhere sort of muddles/interacts with that.

I think all the gods the story deals with are what people believe in, and certainly not any historical figure. St. Nicholas as an American God would not be the historical bishop, but what people coming to this continent thought about him. And *that's* the deal you make with Media: you get more believers (for some…

Saint Nicholas's own feast day is December 6. He was a real 4th century bishop. He became a saint, the patron saint of sailors, children, repentant thieves, and much more. He has his own tales of gift-giving.

Oh, interesting. Perhaps while Hannibal and Bedelia were in Europe?