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Get ready to celebrate St. Nicholas Day on December 6th by embracing the spirit of giving and kindness! This holiday is named after the beloved Christian saint, who was known for his generosity and love for children. Traditionally, St. Nicholas Day is celebrated in many European countries by leaving out shoes or stockings for gifts to be placed in overnight. It's a wonderful opportunity to spread joy and cheer to those around us, and remember the true meaning of the holiday season. So let's honor St. Nicholas by spreading love and making someone's day a little brighter on this special day.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>343</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Death of Saint Nicholas</div><div class='timeline-text'>Saint Nicholas of Myra, known for his generous and kindly ways, especially towards children, passed away. His legacy forms the basis for St. Nicholas Day.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1087</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Saint Nicholas' Relics Moved</div><div class='timeline-text'>Relics of St. Nicholas were transported from Myra to Bari, Italy, spreading his veneration in various parts of the world.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1500s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>European Celebrations</div><div class='timeline-text'>By the 16th century, the tradition of celebrating St. Nicholas Day had become widespread in Europe, particularly among German and Dutch communities.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1773</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>St. Nicholas in America</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first recorded mention of St. Nicholas referred to as "Santa Claus" was made by American colonists in New York.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1800s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Evolution of St. Nicholas' Image</div><div class='timeline-text'>In the 1800s, illustrations and descriptions gradually transformed the revered bishop Saint Nicholas into the jolly, red-suited Santa Claus known today.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>Present Day</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>St. Nicholas Day Worldwide</div><div class='timeline-text'>Today, St. Nicholas Day is celebrated around the world with customs reflecting Saint Nicholas' spirit of generosity and gift-giving.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Leave out shoes for St. Nicholas</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>In many European countries, children leave out their shoes on the night of St. Nicholas Day in hopes that they will be filled with treats and presents by the next morning. Carry on this tradition and see what surprises St. Nicholas leaves for you!</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Make traditional St. Nicholas cookies</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Research and bake some traditional St. Nicholas cookies to honor the holiday. German Springerle, Dutch Speculaas, and Polish Alfajores are just a few examples of delicious and festive treats to try.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Watch a holiday movie about St. Nicholas</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather your family or friends and watch a classic holiday movie about St. Nicholas, such as "The Miracle of St. Nicholas" or "The Boy Who Saved Christmas". This is a great way to learn more about the holiday and spend quality time together.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a St. Nicholas Day parade</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many cities and towns hold parades and festivals to celebrate St. Nicholas Day. Check your local events calendar and join in on the festivities, which often include music, food, and even a visit from St. Nicholas himself!</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Give back to those in need</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>St. Nicholas was known for his generosity and love for children. Honor his spirit by giving back to those in need on this special day. Donate toys, clothes, or money to a local charity or volunteer at a shelter or soup kitchen.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's a celebration of generosity and kindness</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>St Nicholas Day is a day to honor the generosity and compassion of the historical figure behind Santa Claus. It serves as a reminder for people to be kind, giving and selfless during the holiday season and all year round.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It originated many beloved Christmas traditions</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>St Nicholas Day has been celebrated since the 4th century and has influenced many holiday traditions such as leaving out stockings for gifts, giving presents on Christmas Eve, and the idea of Santa Claus himself. This holiday holds a rich history that has been passed down through generations.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It celebrates the spirit of childhood wonderment</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>For children, St Nicholas Day is an exciting time filled with anticipation for gifts and surprises. It allows kids to embrace their imagination and believe in the magic of the holiday season. This day reminds adults to never lose touch with the childlike wonder and joy of Christmas.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>St. Nicholas is the Patron Saint of Children and Sailors</h3><p class='facts-content'>Known for his concern for children, kindness, and charitable deeds, St. Nicholas is recognized as the patron saint of children. However, he also serves as the patron saint of sailors, due to miracles attributed to his intercession which involve sea rescues.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>St. Nicholas has hundreds of Churches named after him worldwide</h3><p class='facts-content'>Testament to his popularity over the centuries, there are over 2,000 churches dedicated to St. Nicholas in France, Germany and the Netherlands alone. This makes him one of the most revered saints globally.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The First American Depiction of St. Nicholas was by Washington Irving</h3><p class='facts-content'>In his 1809 satirical fiction, "Knickerbocker's History of New York", famous American author Washington Irving depicts St. Nicholas as a jolly Dutchman who smoked a pipe and flew over rooftops in a wagon delivering gifts - a far cry from the bishop we know him as today.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>St. Nicholas is often depicted with three gold balls</h3><p class='facts-content'>The iconography of St. Nicholas often includes three gold balls. These represent the three sacks of gold he is said to have given as dowries to three poor girls. The bags are sometimes represented as oranges, which is why oranges are often found in Christmas stockings.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>St. Nicholas and Santa Claus are not the same</h3><p class='facts-content'>Though many believe St. Nicholas and Santa Claus are the same, they are not. St. Nicholas was a historical figure, a charitable bishop who lived in the 4th Century AD. Santa Claus, however, is a mythical character derived from St. Nicholas' legacy merged with other cultural traditions.</p></div></div>
St Nicholas Day is celebrated on December 6 every year. In 2024, St Nicholas Day will occur on a Friday.
2023
Dec 6
Wednesday
2024
Dec 6
Friday
2025
Dec 6
Saturday
2026
Dec 6
Sunday
2027
Dec 6
Monday
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