Saint Nicholas - St. Nicholas Day

St. Nicholas Day

Further information: Christmas gift-bringer

The tradition of Saint Nicholas Day, usually on 6 December (, is a festival for children in many countries in Europe related to surviving legends of the saint, and particularly his reputation as a bringer of gifts. The American Santa Claus, as well as the Anglo-Canadian and British Father Christmas, derive from these legends. "Santa Claus" is itself derived in part from the Dutch Sinterklaas.

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Famous quotes containing the words nicholas and/or day:

    Whatever qualities [Tsar Nicholas I] may have shown in his own kingly profession, it must be admitted that in his dealings with the Russian Muse he was at the worst a vicious bully, at the best a clown.
    Vladimir Nabokov (1899–1977)

    One day I wrote her name upon the strand;
    But came the waves, and washed it away:
    Again, I wrote it with a second hand;
    But came the tide, and made my pains his prey.
    Edmund Spenser (1552?–1599)