Who is Saint Nicholas?

Happy St Nicholas Day! St. Nicholas Day is celebrated on December 6th because it's the anniversary of the death of Saint Nicholas of Myra, who died on December 6, 346. Saint Nicholas was a 4th century bishop who was known for his generosity, especially towards children. He is the patron saint of many groups, including children, sailors, and Russia and Greece.

Here are some ways people celebrate Saint Nicholas Day:

1. Leave shoes out- Children leave their shoes out by the fireplace or outside their door on the night before Saint Nicholas Day, hoping to find them filled with gifts in the morning.

2. Attend church- People may attend church services or other worship services.

3. Dress as a bishop- In Germany and Poland, boys traditionally dress as bishops and beg alms for the poor.

4. Eat sweets- Children are often given cookies, candies, and gifts under their pillows or in their shoes and stockings.

5. Set out hay and carrots- In some places, children set out hay and carrots for Saint Nicholas' horse in hopes of being rewarded with treats.

6. Our family celebrates by giving everyone their Christmas stockings that night.

Photo: The empty tomb at the Church of Saint Nicholas in Demre, Turkey, that was previously thought to be the burial place of St. Nicholas. Courtesy of Schellhorn/ullstein bild via Getty Images.