The History of St. Nick

Post date: Dec 11, 2017 12:38:49 PM

By: Chloe Schmidt, Staff Writer

Posted December 11th, 2017

St. Nick arrives on the same day every year, December 6th. He comes during the night the day before and when you wake up, there’s presents in your stocking!

Have you ever wondered about the history behind St. Nick? I know my friends and I have debated St. Nick widely- from what he’s representing to who he is.

Doing a little research found me those answers.

St. Nick is a Christian bishop from 280 who gave gifts to the poor and needy. And yes, Santa Claus is based off of him.

The idea of sneaking around and giving presents that way is also based off of St. Nick. There’s a story where a father couldn’t afford to pay his three daughters’ dowries and St. Nick dropped off a bag of money in the middle of the night. It’s a little creepy, but a kind gesture.

The reason the date December 6th was chosen is because St. Nick is believed to have died on that day in 343. His kind actions and personality spread throughout the land and that’s why he also became a legend. The Dutch carried the tradition of giving presents through the night, in shoes instead of stockings, though, and then America adopted the tradition. Now, it’s shared in Christian homes around the world.