St Nick’s Gifts … Lollies If You’re Good …
Have you been good or naughty all year? Santa Claus is coming early this year! An old fat man who lives in the North Pole, rides on reindeers and has elves to do his work. This time of year, and you’ll be rewarded: lollies, sweet treats and gifts for the good; sadly, what for the not-so?
This is how we know Santa Claus, but the true story of Santa Claus begins with Nicholas, who was born in the third century in Southern Turkey, then became a bishop. Born of wealthy and devout Christians who died when he was young, Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, rich and suffering. He dedicated his life to serving God and became known as protector and helper of the needy, his love for children and his concern for sailors and ships.
Little is known about Nicholas’ life other than myths and legends, but all tells of his generosity. One such story tells of Nicholas saving three young women from a life of slavery and prostitution because their father couldn’t afford their marriage dowries. Mysteriously, on three different occasions, three bags of gold were tossed through an open window of their home. The bags were said to have landed in stockings or shoes left out to dry in front of the fire. This led to the custom of children hanging stockings in front of the fireplace eagerly awaiting gifts from St Nicholas.
The anniversary of his death became a day of celebration, St Nicholas Day, December 6th. The tradition is a festival for children in many countries, especially Europe, keeping alive stories of his goodness and particularly his reputation as a bringer of gifts. A day of simple gift-giving celebrated early in Advent to help preserve focus on the Christ Child on Christmas day!
In Germany, children put a boot outside their front door on the eve of St Nicholas Day. Overnight, Nikolaus checks up on the children to see if they were good, polite and helpful the last year. He fills the boot with gifts and lollies if they were; if not, he leaves them with a tree branch.
In Poland, Mikuláš leaves lollies and small gifts under the children’s pillow or shoes the evening of December 5 or the morning of December 6.
In Hungary and Romania, Mikuláš (or Sfântul Nicolae in Romania) leaves lollies and gifts in boots left on the windowsill for children who’ve been good or if they’ve been naughty, a rod, an instrument their parents are supposed to use to discipline them.
San Nicola is the patron of Sassari, Italy and on his feast day, gifts are given to young brides needing help before they are married.
His popularity as a patron of children led to the custom of giving children presents – including lollies and other treats – on his feast day. Then later, Dutch Protestants in North America combined this custom with the Nordic legend of a magician who rewarded good children with presents and punished those who were naughty. This gave rise to the much beloved legen of Santa Claus, as well as Father Christmas.
Be a SECRET NICK. Click on the Naughty-Nice image to get every kid lollies and gifts this Christmas! It’s never too late.
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