🎅 St. Nicholas
December 6 Ages 4–11
St. Nicholas was a kind bishop famous for secret gifts to people in need. Stories about him helped create Santa Claus.
📅 Dates
| 2026 | St. Nicholas Day: Sun, Dec 6, 2026 |
|---|---|
| 2027 | St. Nicholas Day: Mon, Dec 6, 2027 |
| 2028 | St. Nicholas Day: Wed, Dec 6, 2028 |
📖 Who was St. Nicholas?
Nicholas lived in the 300s in Myra, a town in what is now Turkey. He became a bishop and was known for helping children, sailors and the poor.
The most famous story says that a poor man could not afford for his three daughters to marry. At night, Nicholas secretly tossed bags of gold through the window — and some landed in stockings drying by the fire! That is one reason we hang stockings.
In the Netherlands he became Sinterklaas. Dutch settlers brought him to New York, and over time he became the American Santa Claus. On December 6, many children put out shoes or boots and find treats like oranges, nuts or chocolate coins in the morning.
✨ Traditions
- Leaving shoes or boots out on December 5
- Chocolate coins and oranges
- Secret gifts for people in need
🔤 Words to know
- bishop
- A leader in the church
- Sinterklaas
- The Dutch name for St. Nicholas
- generous
- Happy to give and share
✂️ Crafts & activities
Secret Kindness Mission
You need: A small treat or a handmade card, An envelope
- Choose someone who could use a smile.
- Leave your treat or card without your name, like St. Nicholas.
- Notice how giving in secret feels!
🖍️ Coloring pages
St. Nicholas quiz
Where did St. Nicholas live?
What did Nicholas secretly give?
Which famous figure grew from St. Nicholas?
What do many children put out on December 5?
💭 Let’s talk
Why might it feel special to give a gift secretly?
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