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.

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

The pretty Church of St Nicholas in Little Braxted was built ... became the rector in 1881 he embarked on a series of unique paintings to decorate the interior. The Revd Geldart was an artist ...

So who was the real Saint Nicholas? While we hate to be the bearers of bad news, the jolly figure we leave mince pies and sherry out for every Christmas Eve is far from the real St Nick.