Starting now, Ukrainians will celebrate St. Nicholas Day on December 6 instead of the traditional December 19. This change is due to the transition of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church to the new Julian calendar on September 1, 2023, causing the dates of religious holidays to shift 13 days earlier. Therefore, according to the new style, St. Nicholas Day in Ukraine will now be celebrated on the same day as Western countries – December 6.
St. Nicholas Day
St. Nicholas is known all over the world. He bestows New Year’s gifts upon children.
Winter Nicholas is considered the patron saint of children. Traditionally, people have prepared for St. Nicholas Day by learning verses and making an effort to behave well so as not to upset St. Nicholas, as he knows everything!
When Saint Nicholas
Descends from the sky to earth,
Every home and school
Buzzes like a beehive.
There, the children await
Silver angels,
Who, from the endless roads,
Will descend to the earth.
This holiday happens once a year,
It doesn’t pass anyone by,
Because Saint Nicholas from the sky
Will peer into every home.
He will bring gifts,
Oh, there are so many of them!
For boys, for girls,
For everyone, for everyone, for everyone!
St. Nicholas is a historical figure
Nicholas is a completely real historical figure who lived on Earth. A long time ago, in the ancient Italian city of Myra, there lived a young man named Nicholas. His parents passed away early, leaving him a large inheritance. Nicholas had a very kind heart, and he distributed all his possessions to the poor. At night, secretly, Nicholas brought clothing, bread, toys, and sweets to the doorsteps of the houses where poor children lived. In the morning, he watched as people rejoiced in these gifts.
Years passed. Nicholas became a priest and then a bishop. Everyone loved him for his kindness and wisdom. Many legends and stories about Saint Nicholas have been preserved in folk memory.
The Legend of Saint Nicholas
A legend has come down to us that once Nicholas set sail by sea to Palestine, to the Holy Land. Suddenly, a storm arose, and the ship’s mast collapsed; one of the sailors perished. However, Nicholas fervently prayed throughout. And a miracle happened: the storm subsided, and the deceased sailor came back to life. Since then, Saint Nicholas became known as the Miracle Worker.
When Nicholas passed away, and his soul stood before the throne of God, the Lord asked, ‘What do you desire, Nicholas, as a reward for your righteous life on Earth?’
‘I desire nothing,’ replied Nicholas, ‘only allow me, God, to descend to Earth and distribute gifts to children.’
Since then, every year, on his feast day, December 6, Saint Nicholas descends to Earth and gives gifts to children. For the greatest happiness is to do good!
Oh, the snow has fallen, and the roads are not visible,
It covers all the paths, swiftly covering them.
Saint Nicholas is already rushing from the sky,
He cares for good children all over the world!
St. Nicholas Day – Celebration Traditions in Different Countries
We want to tell you about the traditions of celebrating St. Nicholas Day in different countries around the world.
In Spain, St. Nicholas rides into the town on a horse accompanied by his little helpers. Dressed in red liturgical attire, resembling the Catholic Bishop, St. Nicholas travels through the country, distributing gifts. An interesting theatrical performance based on the legend of St. Nicholas takes place.
In the Netherlands, children receive gifts on the eve of St. Nicholas Day. Children prepare for this holiday by placing their shoes in front of the fireplace or at the entrance doors, singing songs about St. Nicholas. The next morning, they find various gifts in their shoes.
In Italy, on the island of Sardinia, there is a small town called Sassari. St. Nicholas the Miracle Worker is considered its patron saint. There is a tradition in this town to give gifts to young brides on this day.
In Austria and the Czech Republic, on St. Nicholas Day, a group of Krampuses – devils, roams the streets. They shout and scare passersby. When St. Nicholas appears in the square near the cathedral, the little devils retreat, frightened, and run away to hide.
Songs about Saint Nicholas for children
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