Saint Nicholas Day

Saint Nicholas Day, also called the Feast of Saint Nicholas, is celebrated on December 6th in many Western Christian countries, and on December 19th in Eastern Christian countries that use an older calendar. This special day honors Saint Nicholas of Myra, a kind man known for giving gifts to those in need. It is a time when people go to church and remember his good deeds.

In countries like Germany and Poland, children and boys dress up and collect money for others. In Guimarães, Portugal, there are big celebrations called the Nicolinas each year. Children in Poland and Ukraine leave out pillows for Saint Nicholas to put presents on, but if they were not good, they might find a twig or coal instead.

In the Netherlands and Belgium, children leave shoes with hay and carrots for Saint Nicholas' donkey. The gifts they receive often have funny little poems on them. In the United States, some families leave stockings or shoes out for Saint Nicholas to fill with small gifts or coins.

The characters we know today as Santa Claus and Father Christmas come from Saint Nicholas. Even though we often think of giving gifts at Christmas now, Saint Nicholas Day is a time to remember the spirit of kindness and giving that he is famous for.

Saint Nicholas

Main article: Saint Nicholas

Saint Nicholas was born in a place called Patar in Asia Minor. He traveled to Egypt to learn about faith and later became the Bishop of Myra. During a time when Christians were treated badly, he was imprisoned but later freed when rules changed to allow Christians to practice their faith openly.

Saint Nicholas is remembered for his kindness. There is a story about him helping a poor family by giving them money so their daughters would not have to face hard times. He is also known as the helper of children, sailors, people with money troubles, and those affected by fires.

Each year on December 6th, people celebrate Saint Nicholas Day, honoring his good deeds and generosity. Long ago, nuns in Belgium and France began giving gifts to the poor in his name, and this tradition spread to other countries.

Traditions by continent

Europe

In Albania, Saint Nicholas is known as Shen'Kollë and is important to many families. The Feast of Saint Nicholas is celebrated on the evening before December 6th, called Shen'Kolli i Dimnit, and also on the evening before May 9th, called Shen'Kolli i Majit. Albanian Catholics often make special promises in his name. On the eve of his feast day, families light candles and avoid meat, preparing a feast of roasted lamb and pork for guests after midnight. Guests greet each other with special blessings.

In Greece, Saint Nicholas is especially known as the protector of sailors and is considered the patron saint of the Greek Navy. His day is marked by celebrations on ships and boats. In Serbia, Nikoljdan is celebrated on December 19th during a fasting period, and families prepare special meals following fasting rules.

In the Netherlands, Saint Nicholas Day is celebrated on December 5th, known as the Eve of Saint Nicholas. Children put their shoes out for small gifts and sweets. In Belgium, Saint Nicholas arrives by steamboat in Antwerp, wearing bishop's robes and riding a white horse. In Luxembourg, a figure named De Kleeschen visits schools and gives presents to well-behaved children.

In Slovenia and Croatia, Saint Nicholas brings gifts to children who have been good, while those who haven’t may receive a visit from a figure named Parkelj or Krampus. In Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, Ukraine, and Romania, children leave boots out for gifts from Saint Nicholas, sometimes accompanied by a helper figure.

In Ukraine, Saint Nicholas visits children on December 5th and 6th, and traditions of caring for the needy are growing. In France, Saint Nicholas is celebrated in certain regions with stories, songs, and gifts, sometimes accompanied by a helper figure.

In Germany, Saint Nicholas is celebrated on a small scale, with children placing boots outside for gifts and sweets. In Poland, children find candy and small gifts under their pillows or in their shoes. In Austria, Bavaria, and South-Tyrol, Saint Nicholas is accompanied by Krampus, who punishes naughty children.

In Swiss folklore, Saint Nicholas is known as Samichlaus and is accompanied by Schmutzli. In Italy, Saint Nicholas is the patron of Bari, with special celebrations held in May. In Malta, he is the patron of Siġġiewi, celebrated in June and December. In Portugal, the city of Guimarães celebrates Nicolinas from November 29th to December 7th in honor of Saint Nicholas.

Orthodox Slavic countries celebrate Nikoljdan on December 6th (or December 19th on the Julian calendar), following fasting rules. In Spain, Saint Nicholas is the patron of Alicante.

West Asia

Saint Nicholas is celebrated by Christian communities in Lebanon, with many places named in his honor.

North America

Dutch settlers brought the Sinterklaas tradition to areas like Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Evansville, Indiana; Teutopolis, Illinois; Cincinnati, Ohio; Fredericksburg, Texas; Newport News, Virginia; St. Louis, Missouri; and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Children place shoes out for gifts and treats on the morning of December 6th. These communities also celebrate Christmas separately on December 25th.