St. Nicholas Day

Families across Europe and parts of the United States eagerly prepare for St. Nicholas Day on December 6 by polishing their shoes and setting them by the door. This festive occasion honors a fourth-century bishop known for his secret gift-giving and protection of children.

History of St. Nicholas Day

The historical figure behind this holiday was Nicholas, the Bishop of Myra, who lived in what is now Turkey during the Roman Empire. He gained a reputation for defending the innocent and helping the poor, often using his inheritance to assist those in need anonymously. One famous account describes him tossing bags of gold through an open window to provide dowries for three impoverished sisters, saving them from a life of destitution. This act of throwing gold, which reportedly landed in stockings or shoes drying by the fire, planted the seed for modern stocking traditions.

Over centuries, his feast day became a major celebration, particularly in the Netherlands, Germany, and France. Dutch settlers brought the tradition of “Sinterklaas” to America, where authors like Washington Irving and Clement Clarke Moore later helped transform the stern bishop into the jolly Santa Claus we know today. The date marks the anniversary of the saint’s death, celebrating his legacy of compassion and protection of children rather than just folklore.

Why is St. Nicholas Day important?

This holiday serves as a distinct reminder of the origins of modern Christmas gift-giving traditions. It shifts focus from commercial consumption to the specific virtue of charity and looking out for the less fortunate in the community. By celebrating the saint separately from Christmas, families can distinguish between the historical bishop known for his faith and generosity and the secular figure of Santa Claus.

It also maintains specific cultural heritage for families with roots in Northern and Central Europe. Keeping the tradition alive creates a bridge to the past, allowing for a celebration focused on kindness, simple joys, and the excitement of a morning surprise that doesn’t require an elaborate exchange of expensive presents.

• It honors a historical figure known for genuine generosity.
• Children learn the value of selfless giving.
• The day connects families to European cultural roots.
• It emphasizes kindness toward those with less.
• The holiday separates the saint from the secular Santa Claus.

How to Celebrate St. Nicholas Day

The most common custom involves children placing their shoes or boots outside the bedroom door or on the windowsill on the evening of December 5. In many homes, kids leave a carrot or hay for the saint’s horse or donkey along with a drawing or letter. This preparation builds anticipation for the morning without the high pressure associated with Christmas Eve.

Parents fill these vessels overnight with small treats like chocolate coins, oranges, candy canes, or small toys to be discovered the next morning. Some families also bake speculaas (spiced cookies) or read stories about the real Bishop of Myra to explain the history behind the gifts. It is a day for small gestures rather than large hauls, often followed by a family breakfast enjoying the treats found in the shoes.

• Polish boots and leave them by the front door.
• Fill shoes with gold chocolate coins and small treats.
• Read stories about the life of the Bishop of Myra.
• Bake spiced cookies in the shape of the saint.
• Leave carrots or hay for the donkey.

St. Nicholas Day Dates Table