Since the 1880s, the Christmas customs of the Eastern Slavic countries have included a similar character known as "Ded Moroz" ("Grandfather Frost"). According to legend, he travels in a magical "sanki" — a decorated sleigh drawn by reindeer (or three white horses). With his young, blonde assistant "Snegurochka" (the "Snow Maiden", said to be his granddaughter) at his side, he visits homes and gives gifts to good children (not true for former Yugoslavian countries). He only delivers presents to children while they are asleep, and unlike Santa, he does not travel down chimneys, coming instead to the front door of children's homes. However, in Russia, children receive presents on New Year's Day, Christmas is solely celebrated by Christians and on January 7.