Feast of St. Nicholas

December 6, 2024

by Communications

St. Nicholas was a bishop of an ancient Greek town called Myra, in present-day Turkey. He may have attended the first Council of Nicaea, where he is rumored to have punched Arius, a heretic, in the face. He was born around March 15, 270 and died on December 6, 343.

St. Nicholas always had a love for the poor and would work for their benefit. The story goes that there was a poor man in town with no money for a dowry for his daughters. No dowry meant no marriage, which would have left his daughters to be sold into a life of servitude. Late one night, St. Nicholas dropped a bag of money down the chimney of the family home, thus allowing the daughters a dowry.

Most famously, he is the real-life historical figure from whom we get Santa Claus. His generosity inspired the "chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf" - Santa meaning Saint and Claus is short for Nicholas.

This fourth-century Greek bishop is known for his faithfulness to Christ, his devotion to justice and to charity. We would do well to remember the real Nicholas. Ask for his intercession as you pray for a charitable heart.

Traditions
On December 5, the eve of St. Nicholas Day, children traditionally leave a shoe or a boot in front of the fireplace. The next morning the shoe is filled with small gifts, like coins, candy and oranges. The coins are given in remembrance of the coins St. Nicholas left the girls in need of a dowry and oranges are given to signify the gold that St. Nicholas gave away to those in need. This tradition comes from the legends of St. Nicholas’ generosity and led to the celebration of Santa Claus on Christmas Day today. In some countries, like Germany and Austria, St. Nicholas is accompanied by his counterpart the Krampus. Much like the legend of Santa Claus, the Krampus will leave coal in the shoes of misbehaving children. Children are encouraged to participate in acts of kindness to stay off of the Krampus’ naughty list.

In some countries people begin St. Nicholas Day celebrations with a parade. Many end their day with a celebratory meal. And since St. Nicholas is the patron saint of unmarried women, in Italy it's not just children who receive gifts.

One fun way to celebrate is to make traditional St. Nicholas cookies. In the United States gingerbread and sugar cookies are the most popular while in countries such as the Netherlands and Germany make spice cookies and peppermint cookies. The spice cookies are made into the shape of St. Nicholas - complete with a Bishop’s mitre and staff!

Another tradition that is observed is to perform random acts of kindness on St. Nicholas’ feast day. You could drop off a grocery store gift card to those in need, give books to your parish to use at Christmas, anonymously pay the utility bill of someone in need or donate gifts to local foster care programs. Spend time as a family brainstorming what you can do to serve your community just as St. Nicholas did when he was alive.

Leaving shoes or boots: On the eve of St. Nicholas Day, children leave a shoe or boot in front of the fireplace or door to be filled with gifts in the morning.

Receiving gifts: Children receive gifts like cookies, candies, coins, and oranges. The gifts are often left under pillows or in shoes, stockings, or plates.
Leaving treats for good children: Children leave treats for good children, while naughty children may receive a stick, coal, or bag of salt.
Leaving letters for St. Nicholas: Children leave letters for St. Nicholas.
Leaving food for St. Nicholas's animal: Children leave carrots or grass for St. Nicholas's donkey or horse.

Parades: Some countries begin St. Nicholas Day celebrations with a parade.

Meals: Many countries end St. Nicholas Day celebrations with a meal.

St. Nicholas cookies: In Italy, people make traditional St. Nicholas cookies.

Visiting Miklavž or Nikolaus: In Slovenia and Croatia, Miklavž or Nikolaus visits children on St. Nicholas Day to give gifts and encourage good behavior.

Attending a church service: Some celebrate by attending a Divine Liturgy.

The traditions of St. Nicholas Day are based on legends of his generosity. For example, one legend tells of how St. Nicholas rescued three impoverished girls by paying their marriage dowries with gold.