Saint Nicholas Saint Nicholas

Saint Nicholas was a bishop who

dedicated his life to serving God and
helping other people.

Saint Nicholas loved giving gifts to

people, especially children.

He is remembered in
many countries around
the world on St. Nicholas’
Day (December 6th).
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Germany
The night before St. Nicholas’ Day,
children leave their shoes outside their
doors or on their windowsills. They
may also write a letter to Saint
Nicholas and leave carrots for his
horse.

Saint Nicholas will come past and fill

their boots with sweets and small gifts if
they have been good.

In Germany, St.
Nicholas’ Day is called
‘Nikolaustag’. Back
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Turkey

Saint Nicholas comes from an area that

we now call Turkey. Many people each
year travel to the town of Myra where
there are statues of him.

People who visit sacred places are

called pilgrims.

Many pilgrims also pray at the foot of

statues of Saint Nicholas.  tu e o f S ain t Nic h olas and a
Sta
ey.
child in Myra, Turk

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Mexico
In Mexico, Saint Nicholas is known as
‘San Nicolás’.

Processions are held in the streets of

many towns and cities. A statue of Saint
Nicholas is often carried.

Fireworks are often set off and people

enjoy music and dancing.

of S an Nico lá s, Estado de
Statue
Puebla, Mexico

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Croatia

In Croatia, children leave their boots

outside of their homes for Saint
Nicholas to fill with sweets and small
gifts on 6th December.

Saint Nicholas is also the patron saint of

sailors and fishermen.

Many boats and ships have an image of

him onboard.

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USA
In Milwaukee in the USA, children
write letters and leave them in
stockings for Saint Nicholas.

He collects the letters and leaves sweets

for good children.

If children have not been so good, they

may find a lump of coal instead!
Luckily, there are still three weeks
before Christmas to get things right.
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Netherlands

In the Netherlands, Saint Nicholas is

called ‘Sinterklaas’.

Sinterklaas visits children to see if they

have been well-behaved, leaving sweets
and gifts if they have.

Many people also eat tangerines at this

time of year. The orange fruit is
thought to symbolise the gold that
Saint Nicholas gave to the poor.
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