Basil of Caesaria, also called Saint Basil the was the bishop of Caesaria in Cappadocia, Asia Minor. He was an influential theologian who opposed the heresies of the early Christian church. In addition to his renown as a theologian, Basil was known for his care of the poor and underprivileged.

In the tradition of the Greek Dodecahemeron, he brings gifts to children on New Year’s Day (January 1st) also referred to as St. Basil’s Day. It is traditional on St Basil's Day to serve a rich sweet bread with a coin inside, called a Vasilopita (βασιλόπιτα, bread in honor of St. Basil). Like at the cutting of the Christopsomo, the head of the household gives the members of the family a slice, preceded by a symbolic giving of a slice first to Christ, then the Virgin Mary, then St. Basil. Whoever finds the coin in their slice is considered to be blessed with particularly good luck throughout the year. If the coin is found in the slices symbolically given to Christ, the Virgin Mary, or St. Basil, it is thought to represent the will of these to help the family throughout the year in times of trouble and need.

It is customary on New Year’s Day to visit the homes of friends and relatives, but also those who are ill or inform or elderly, and to to sing Kalanta dedicated to the New Year and St. Basil. Furthermore, at the dinner, the family sets an extra place at the table for St. Basil. Basil, being born into a wealthy family, gave away all his possessions to the poor, the underprivileged, those in need, and children.

For Greeks and others in the Orthodox tradition, St Basil is the saint better associated with Santa Claus as opposed to the Western tradition of St. Nicholas. See icon on table.