Here's the English translation of the Wiki page:
More than 300 years ago, people believed that decorate the New Year tree they will change the evil forces of good. Already in ancient times among the Russian people told stories about Grandfather Frost - vicious, nasty snow-covered fields and forests of the holder, which imported the cold, snow and blizzards. Opening as feared and respected.
Times of Peter the Great Grandfather Frost character changed. He became a benevolent white long coat and the vakoiseen hair wearing a hat and a stick bag with a rolling long-bearded Santa -like man, a distributor of gifts for children. With Grandfather Frost is the granddaughter Snegurochka .
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I see a trend in history of making something originally frightening into something kinder and more benevolent. Interesting!
Here's to world peace.