St. Nicholas

December 6 is the feast day of St. Nicholas.  St. Nicholas was a third century bishop who is recognized as the origin of the Santa Claus story. He was known for his generosity and his habit of secret gift giving.

St. Nicholas is the patron of children, coopers, sailors, fishermen, merchants, broadcasters, the falsely accused, repentant thieves, brewers, pharmacists, archers, and pawnbrokers.

Put Your Shoes Out for St. Nicholas

December 6, is the St. Nicholas Day. In many cultures the custom is for the children to leave a pair of shoes out when they go to bed on December 5. In the morning, they find that St. Nicholas has visited and left them a small treat or token.