Let us be merry and cheerful:
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 present the best-known traditions and reveal why St. Nicholas is pleased to see freshly cleaned 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 fourth century in the Asia Minor region of Lycia, which is now part of Turkey. The bishop was also the inspiration 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 impoverished young women. They were able to use them as dowries for their marriages and were thus spared a life on the streets. Instead of throwing gifts, St. Nicholas brings them to the children’s front door—provided they have placed 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 standing outside the front door, he knows: someone here has been particularly well brought up. Those who have not been quite so well-behaved encounter Knecht Ruprecht in Germany, who scolds children for their disobedience—although this custom seems to be becoming increasingly rare.
Sinterklaas in the Netherlands
Among our Dutch 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 Solid, which is even broadcast on TV. Accompanied by his helper, “Zwarten Piet,” Sinterklaas travels through the country and delights well-behaved children with gifts.
Kleeschen in Belgium
People in Belgium receive gifts from St. Nicholas, but they also give their “Kleeschen” a special gift in the form of cookies—and a little hay for his loyal companion, the donkey.
Samichlaus in Switzerland
In the German-speaking part of Switzerland, Samichlaus is on the move; in the French-speaking part, Saint-Nicolaus; and in the Italian-speaking part, Son Niclao. They all wear white robes and are accompanied by the servant “Schmutzli,” who praises children for good deeds and scolds them for misbehavior—even the very cheeky may be threatened with being put in the 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 custom is also preserved 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 arrives with his gifts, although he has a somewhat frightening companion: Krampus. He resembles the German Knecht Ruprecht, but he also often appears in a group and particularly enjoys frightening people.
BÄR tip: Clean boots for St. Nicholas
A lovely idea: Introduce a joint “boot-cleaning activity” with your children on the eve of St. Nicholas Day. That way, St. Nicholas will be pleased with the clean boots and show his appreciation with gifts. You can find out how to clean smooth leather boots properly here; you can read the care tips for suede boots here.
This will not only please St. Nicholas: Cozy boots for the cold season
You are never too old for a St. Nicholas surprise—or you can simply treat yourself to cozy winter boots that provide both stability and freedom of movement. Psst, insider tip: The boots for “the grown-ups” can hold a particularly large number of St. Nicholas gifts too!
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!
