Happy St. Nicholas Day:Have you been good this year? If so, don’t be surprised to find a special treat in your stocking today, December 6. The annual St. Nicholas Day is officially here, which is great news for all the good little boys and girls out there—no matter your age.
In the European countries that don’t have an equivalent of Black Friday to mark the official start of the winter holiday season, the St. Nicholas Day serves just this purpose—signaling the time to get out the Christmas lights and embark on the weeks-long holiday celebrations.
Christmas Stockings Hanging over Fireplace
Per centuries-spanning European tradition, the old St. Nicholas makes his rounds on this special day, delighting children—and those young at heart—with a multitude of toys, treats, and even coins. According to the ancient legend, the good kids are handsomely rewarded, whereas the naughty ones receive stern warnings instead.
St. Nicholas usually deposits his generous gifts into the special holiday stockings (or sometimes even plain old boots!) when no one is looking. Oh, what a darling surprise it would be to find a present in your shoe!
Some believe that St. Nicholas Day actually inspired the modern-day Santa Claus and the Christmas gift exchange, and that could very well be the case given the many superficial similarities of the two traditions. Either way, however, the St. Nicholas Day is a jolly occasion suitable for all the kids from two to 92.
So, Happy St. Nicholas Day to you! Enjoy!
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