Northern Europeans traditionally put out boots on the eve of ... description of St. Nicholas as well as the Dutch penchant for smoking, a convention often seen in old-master paintings.

It might be the night of Christmas Eve that you are hoping St Nicholas arrives down the chimney, but it is today (December 6) that is actually his saint day. Saint Nicholas’ reputation as a ...

This led to the creation of the long-lasting custom of children hanging up stockings or leaving a plate out on St. Nicholas Eve. St. Nicholas was named a saint by the church on Dec. 6, which is ...

This led to the creation of the long-lasting custom of children hanging up stockings or leaving a plate out on St. Nicholas Eve. St. Nicholas was believed to have died Dec. 6, 343 A.D. The day is ...

St. Nicholas’ kindness to children accounts for his association with Christmas gifts. In Europe, it is a Christian custom to put shoes on the floor outside the door of your room on the Eve of St ...

By the early 20th century, Santa Claus had traded in his red robe for a red fur suit and began climbing down chimneys on Christmas Eve to deliver gifts to children. Today in Europe, St. Nicholas ...