Let’s Be Merry and Bright:
St. Nicholas traditions around the world and a tip for a new ritual with children
It will soon be that time again: On December 6, St. Nicholas comes and brings gifts for the children if they have been well-behaved throughout the year. But St. Nicholas is not celebrated only in Germany—similar customs and traditions exist in many countries around the world. We introduce the best-known traditions and reveal why St. Nicholas is pleased to see freshly polished boots.
Who is St. Nicholas?
The figure of St. Nicholas is based on Bishop Nicholas of Myra—a Christian saint who lived and worked in the 4th century in the Asia Minor region of Lycia, which is now part of Turkey. The bishop was also the model for certain attributes that characterize “our” St. Nicholas: his crozier and his robes.
Why does St. Nicholas bring gifts?
Many legends surround the Bishop of Myra. For example, he is said to have thrown gifts to three poor maidens. They were able to use them as dowries for their marriages and were thus saved from a life on the streets. Instead of throwing gifts, St. Nicholas brings them to the children’s front door—provided they have left freshly polished boots outside on the eve of December 6, which he can then fill with his gifts.
Why do the gifts go in the boots?
The million-dollar question: Why does St. Nicholas fill boots of all things with his gifts? It is probably a kind of educational method: St. Nicholas gives gifts only to children who have been especially well-behaved throughout the year. When St. Nicholas sees the freshly polished boots outside the front door, he knows: Someone here has been brought up particularly well. In Germany, children who have not been quite so well-behaved have to deal with Knecht Ruprecht, who scolds them for their disobedience—although this custom seems to be becoming less common.
Sinterklaas in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, our neighbors, “Sinterklaas” begins his journey as early as mid-November: His ship sets sail from Spain and docks in the Netherlands. His arrival is celebrated with a huge festival that is even broadcast on TV. Accompanied by his helper, “Zwarten Piet,” Sinterklaas travels throughout the country and delights well-behaved children with gifts.
Kleeschen in Belgium
People in Belgium receive gifts from St. Nicholas, but they also remember their “Kleeschen” with a generous offering in the form of cookies—and a little hay for his loyal companion, the donkey.
Samichlaus in Switzerland
Samichlaus travels through the German-speaking part of Switzerland, Saint-Nicolaus through the French-speaking part, and Son Niclao through the Italian-speaking part. They all wear white robes and are accompanied by the servant “Schmutzli,” who praises children for good deeds and reprimands them for misbehavior—even threatening to put particularly naughty children in his sack. Gifts come in the form of mandarins, nuts, or sweets.
St. Nick in the USA
In the USA, St. Nicholas is far less well-known than the famous Santa Claus, who brings gifts at Christmas. However, the St. Nicholas tradition is also practiced in some parts of the United States thanks to German immigrants. On the eve of St. Nick’s Day, boots are placed outside the door and then filled with sweets and small gifts.
Krampus in Austria
In Austria, St. Nicholas also comes with gifts, but he has a somewhat frightening companion: Krampus. Although he resembles the German Knecht Ruprecht, he often appears in groups and particularly enjoys frightening people.
BÄR tip: Clean boots for St. Nicholas
A lovely idea: Introduce a joint “boot-polishing activity” with your children on the eve of St. Nicholas Day. This way, St. Nicholas will be pleased to see clean boots and will thank them with gifts. You can find out how to clean smooth leather boots properly here, and you can read the care tips for suede boots here.
This will please more than just St. Nicholas: Comfortable boots for the cold season
You are never too old for a St. Nicholas surprise—or you can simply treat yourself to comfortable winter boots that provide both support and freedom of movement. Psst, insider tip: The boots for “the grown-ups” can also hold a particularly large number of St. Nicholas treats!
Our recommendations for this winter
We wish you and your loved ones a wonderful St. Nicholas Day—may your boot be filled to the brim!
