In Germany we have Nikolaus on the 6th of December. Usually the children got just a small bag with sweets (e.g. a chocolate santa Claus) and apples, nuts, oranges. Today it's getting bigger and bigger – children are getting toys and so on.
The real Christmas is in the evening on the 24th of December. The gift giving happened after the church – if you go to church. Some familys are singing and the children are saying poems. This all happens “under” a big decorated christmas tree.
The next two days are Christian holidays. You visit your family, friends and so on.