Although more commonly celebrated on the Continent than in the UK, it’s a wonderful feast day to embrace at home, especially if you’re looking to add a little extra magic, kindness and old-world charm to the run-up to Christmas.
Whether you have children, grandchildren, or simply enjoy marking the season with meaningful rituals, Saint Nicholas Day offers a gentle reminder of generosity, compassion and festive warmth. Here’s how you can bring the celebration to life in your own household.
Who Was Saint Nicholas?
Saint Nicholas of Myra was a fourth-century bishop known for his extraordinary generosity, humility and willingness to help those in need. Countless legends surround him, from saving families from poverty to secretly delivering gifts to the poor.
Over time, these stories shaped the modern figure of Father Christmas and Santa Claus.
Celebrating his feast day is a lovely way to weave historical tradition into your festive season, giving children and adults alike a deeper understanding of where many of our Christmas customs come from.
A Charming Tradition: Shoes at the Door
One of the most recognisable Saint Nicholas traditions is placing shoes or boots by the fireplace or front door on the eve of 5 December. Children (and often adults!) wake to find small treats tucked inside:
Clementines
Chocolate coins
Gingerbread biscuits
A little toy or trinket
A handwritten note of encouragement or praise
It’s a gentle, exciting moment that doesn’t rival Christmas Day itself, perfect for building seasonal anticipation.
Celebrate with Simple, Heart-Warming Activities
1. Bake Speculaas or Spiced Biscuits
These traditional spiced biscuits are associated with Saint Nicholas across Europe. Baking them fills the home with the scent of cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg – the unmistakable smell of Advent.
2. Read Stories of Saint Nicholas
Sharing tales of his kindness is a brilliant way to introduce children to the roots of Christmas giving. Books and online resources abound, and you can tailor stories to different age groups.
3. Enjoy a Small Gift Exchange
A modest gift exchange on 6 December, based on thoughtfulness rather than expense, helps keep the focus on kindness.
4. Light a Candle for Kindness
Lighting a candle on Saint Nicholas Day is an invitation to practise generosity throughout December. Challenge family members to carry out “one small act of kindness” each day until Christmas.
5. Support a Charity in His Honour
Given Saint Nicholas’s commitment to helping those in need, this is an ideal moment to:
Donate food or toys to a local appeal
Support a homelessness charity
Offer time or assistance to neighbours
It’s a powerful way to celebrate the true meaning of the season.
Make It a New Family Tradition
You don’t need to be part of a religious household to enjoy the customs of Saint Nicholas Day. It’s a celebration rooted in kindness, storytelling and simple joy. Many UK families are rediscovering this feast day as a lovely way to pace the season, adding a meaningful moment in early December before the Christmas rush fully sets in.
It’s also a wonderful tradition to share on social media or incorporate into children’s Advent calendars, helping the younger generation appreciate the origins of festive giving.
The Feast of Saint Nicholas is a charming, timeless tradition that brings warmth and generosity into the heart of the Christmas season.
By adopting even one of these customs, you’ll add a beautiful and meaningful pause to the festive calendar.
If you’re looking for a way to slow down, savour the season and remind everyone at home what Christmas is really about, Saint Nicholas Day is a perfect place to begin.
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