On December 6th much of the world celebrates St. Nicholas Day. Before children go to bed on December 5th they leave out their shoes. If they were good during the year, St. Nicholas will leave things like candy, cookies and other treats in their shoes. Naughty kids only get lumps of coal. This holiday is not really celebrated in the U.S., although some cities may have a few small celebrations. Throughout much of the world, especially in Northern Europe, it’s a big holiday.
France
In France the biggest St. Nicholas Day celebrations take place in Alsace, Nord-Pas-de-Calais and Lorraine. Donkeys walk around and carries gifts and special snacks for the children. This day is meant to be spent with grandparents and older family members so that they can tell stories of the patron saint, St. Nicholas. Many families spend much of the day in the kitchen as they make mannala and spiced gingerbread biscuits.
Germany
Over the years this tradition has lost a lot of its popularity. Some children still leave a boot out on December 5th in hopes of receiving something special in it. Naughty kids will receive a tree branch, rather than coal. For the most part, those that still recognize this holiday, reside in northern Germany.
Ireland
St. Nicholas Day is more about the legend of the man rather than children leaving out shoes for him in Ireland. Saint Nicholas is said to have been buried there by his distant relative, Nicholas de Frainet. A church was built by Saint Nicholas’ family in order to honor him. Each year on St. Nicholas Day there is a special mass in remembrance of him.
Austria
Not only does St. Nicholas leave good children candy in their shoes, but he also visits houses. On December 5th family members gather together in their family rooms waiting for the legendary man, which unknowingly to the children is their father dressed up as the saint. At each house he knocks on the door and enters the residence with a frightening looking creature named Krampus. Good children get a package of goodies while bad children just get frightened by Krampus. A blessing is given to the families before he leaves.
Overall, St. Nicholas Day seems like a fun holiday. Here in America the tradition of putting up Christmas stockings and them being filled with goodies on Christmas Eve, actually came from the traditions of St. Nicholas Day. Here’s hoping for treats rather than coal in our stockings!
