More than two millennia ago, the real Santa Claus lived in the area now known as Turkey. Orphaned after an epidemic claimed the lives of his parents, Nicholas reportedly used his inheritance to fulfill the commandment of Christ to help the poor. Because of his faith and works, Nicholas was made Bishop of Myra. Nicholas died on Dec. 6, AD 343, the day now known as Saint Nicholas Day.
How did this bishop become synonymous with the Christmas holiday season? What is Saint Nicholas Day, and why do some Christians celebrate it in addition to the Christmas already enjoyed? And what’s with the shoes? To understand Saint Nicholas Day as well as many Christmas traditions, it's important to delve a bit more into the history and legend of this Bishop from across the globe.
According to one such legend, during the life of Nicholas, a poor man in his village had three daughters. In that time, young women had to bring into a prospective marriage a sum of money, property or livestock. Without this dowry, women were unlikely to marry and would be sold into slavery. One night, bags of gold coins were anonymously tossed into the window of the modest home, landing in socks and shoes drying in front of the fireplace. The generous donor was said to be no other than Nicholas of Myra himself, who couldn't bear to see the young women face such an inhumane future. Thus, the tradition was born of hanging stockings in front of the fireplace in anticipation of gifts from St. Nicholas.
On the eve of Saint Nicholas Day, children in countries around the world follow this tradition by placing their shoes out in hopes of them being filled with small favors from old St. Nick. In remembrance of this legend, the shoes are often filled with oranges and chocolate coins, both of which represent the bags of gold that were tossed into the poor man’s window.
Another legend, though more ominous in origin, established Saint Nicholas as protector of children rather than gift giver. In this story from France, three children got lost playing outside. Lured by an evil butcher or innkeeper (the story alternates between the two), the children were captured and met their demise. St. Nicholas learned of this and appealed fervently to God to restore the children to life. This prayer was answered, and Saint Nicholas became the patron saint and protector of children.
Saint Nicholas Day is celebrated across the world. In the Netherlands, parades are common and St. Nick arrives to these events with panache, on horseback or even by helicopter. Wooden shoes, called klompen, are set out and songs are sung in anticipation of the arrival of Sinterklaas. Kids awaken to find small toys, chocolate coins, cookies, and candy canes: the symbol of the Bishop’s staff that St. Nicholas used to carry.
In Ukraine, Dec. 6 is known as “Magic Night,” and is celebrated as a universal children’s festival. There, Saint Nicholas leaves small gifts under the pillows of children or in their boots. Sweets are the routine gifts for this special day in the Ukraine; gingerbread, chocolate, candy and fruit are given, as well as small toys or necessities, such as gloves or scarves.
How can one incorporate some version of these traditions? On the night of Dec. 5, have children set their shoes by the fireplace or door. Fill them with clementines, candy canes, chocolate coins and a few small gifts. Squeezable fruit and pacifiers are great for infants. Small Lego packs are fun for the preschool set. Lip balm, nail polish, a small gift card, cute socks, or religious tokens such as Tiny Saints or Shining Light Dolls are appropriate for the older ones. Celebrating St. Nicholas Day is a great opportunity to promote the values of generosity and stewardship while having a little fun.
Happy St. Nicholas Day!
Kids awaken to chocolate coins, cookies and candy canes: the symbol of the Bishop’s staff St. Nicholas carried.