Editing Ziemassvētki (section)

===Modern Latvian traditions===

Traditional Latvian decorations on Ziemassvētki are spruce branches and decorations, which are made from bird's feathers and eggs, straw, bentgrass, fruits, vegetables, and berries. Gifts are given, which are usually placed under the fir tree. To get a gift it is often required to recite a [[poetry|poem]] or sing a [[song]]. An adopted tradition is that gifts are brought by [[Santa Claus|Ziemassvētku vecītis]] (also known as Santa Claus or Salavecis in recent times), who is sometimes helped by [[Dwarf (mythology)|dwarfs]] or [[Snow White]].

At a children's party during Ziemassvētki, people often dress up as wild beasts and dwarfs, which is the ancient tradition of lending. Also, Father Budēļi or Elder was turned into Ziemassvētku vecītis or Salavecis because of new traditions.