advent 2025 - celebrating st. nicholas day

celebrating Saint nicholas day

Deep in the heart of winter, before the flurry of Christmas lies the celebration of beloved St. Nicholas on December 6th.  His story starts centuries ago in the ancient city of Myra (now Turkey) as a very kind bishop.  

Nicholas is known for his legendary and secret generosity.  Born to wealthy parents, he used his inheritance to help the poor and suffering.  The most famous tale tells of him helping a poor father who could not afford the dowries for his three daughters, which would have saved them from a terrible fate.  During the night, Nicholas secretly tossed bags of gold (some say through the window, others down the chimney), which miraculously landed in the girls' stockings drying by the fire.  This beautiful act of anonymous giving is the very foundation for the tradition of hanging stockings and receiving gifts.

Today, families around the world keep the spirit of St. Nicholas alive with heartwarming customs. 

On the evening of December 5th, children set out their shoes near the fireplace or front door.  By the dawn of December 6th, St. Nicholas is said to have visited, filling the shoes with treats, such as oranges (symbolizing gold balls), chocolate coins, nuts, and perhaps a small toy or book.  This celebration provides a beautiful opportunity to reflect on charity and kindness.  

The benevolent legacy of Saint Nicholas, Sinterklaas as he is known in Dutch, traveled across the sea to America, where his name eventually evolved into the beloved Santa Claus. But on December 6th, we remember the real man, a humble, kind-hearted bishop who simply wanted to brighten the world with secret acts of love.