Christmas Starts December 6th?

December 06, 2011

December 6 is the official start of Christmas in our home. That is when trees go up, decorations come out, and presents get put under the tree for the children to drool over. And why, you ask, is it such a random day like the 6th of December? Well, actually it’s not random at all; December 6th is St. Nicholas Day

St. Nicholas Day is celebrated the 6th of December every year. The real Nicholas, who lived around 300 A.D., gave his entire inheritance to the sick and needy of the area where he lived. Over the years, many tales and legends began to circulate regarding who St. Nicholas was and his deeds. All those tales and legends evolved into St. Nicholas Day.

In many countries around the world, St. Nicholas Day is the beginning of the Christmas season, and for many, it is actually the main gift giving day for the season. It is often celebrated with candies and fruit being put in shoes or stockings left out for him during the night. These candies and fruits are often meant to be shared in honor of the generosity that St. Nicholas is known for.

Another famous facet of St. Nicholas is his love of children. So, what better way to begin a season that is so easily filled with running and stress than with an emphasis on sharing with family, children, and the people around us that we love?

If you want to learn more about St. Nicholas and St. Nicholas Day, check out the website.

Kathleen A. 
North Oak Branch