St. Nicholas Traditions, Singles' Day, and Gift Ideas
St. Nicholas Boots, Setting the Plate - The Legend of the Bishop
In Germany, it is customary for St. Nicholas to come at night and fill the sparkling clean shoes and boots of our children with sweets and other small items. On the night of December 6th, it happens again. Each of us knows the lyrics of the song "Let us be happy and cheerful." It says "...then I set the plate out, Nicholas surely puts something on it. Merry, merry, tralalalaaa...". Wait, what now? Plate or boots? Nick or Nicholas? What is actually behind the custom and what is done in other regions and countries? Today, in this blog article, we want to write about this and other topics like Single Day 2023, which takes place on 11.11.2023, and gift ideas for Christmas.
Nicholas, Patron Saint of Children - Traditions in Europe and the World
Nicholas is the patron saint of children. He rewards the well-behaved with sweets and small gifts, while the naughty are often punished by his companions, such as Knecht Ruprecht in Germany, Krampus in Austria, or "Zwarte Piet" in the Netherlands. Each country celebrates the feast day on December 6th in its own way.
First of all, nothing can be precisely proven. However, it is very likely that the customs go back to Saint Nicholas of Myra, who served as a bishop in the 4th century in what is now Turkey. According to many different legends, he was a generous and warm-hearted man who miraculously saved many people from harm and suffering. Did you know? Saint Nicholas embodies the Christian values of selflessness and charity. His legend traces back to Bishop Nicholas from Myra on the Turkish Mediterranean coast, who is said to have helped people in need with numerous miracles and donations. Nicholas remains a great role model when it comes to giving and gifting.
St. Nicholas Day is a Christian holiday mainly celebrated in Europe. Some South American countries also celebrate it. In other parts of the world, such as Africa, Australia, or the USA, celebrations occur only in some regions, mostly where German immigrants had influence.
St. Nicholas Customs in Other Countries
Sinterklaas in the Netherlands is more important than Santa Claus. On December 5th, the "Pakjesavond," gifts are given. The presents are lovingly and creatively wrapped and described with short rhymes and funny sayings. The holy Sinterklaas arrives in the land of seafarers by ship already in mid-November. His arrival is broadcast live on television. In the following weeks, he travels throughout Holland with his helper, "Zwarte Piet" (Black Peter).
In Austria, children place their shoes outside the door on the eve of St. Nicholas Day so that Nicholas can fill them with sweets, nuts, gingerbread, and mandarins. The feared companion of the friendly Nicholas is the Krampus or the Perchten. They are supposed to punish naughty children. Often they appear in groups and look truly frightening: shaggy fur, grotesquely carved masks, or rattling chains…
In Switzerland, Nicholas is called "Samichlaus." He gives fruits, nuts, and sweets to well-behaved children. He is also accompanied by Knecht Ruprecht, the bearded "Schmutzli" in a black robe and sack. He threatens naughty children by putting them in his sack.
In Luxembourg, the big gift-giving, as is customary for us at Christmas, takes place on December 6th. The Luxembourgish Nicholas named "Kleeschen" comes from the north with a reindeer sleigh full of gifts and brings them to families. On this day, even schoolchildren have a day off!
In the USA, Nicholas does not play a significant role. Instead, Santa Claus is popular. But what actually distinguishes the two? That is not easy to say, as the modern Santa Claus combines traditional elements from Saint Nicholas of Myra, Father Christmas from Great Britain, and Sinterklaas from the Netherlands.
Nicholas and Santa Claus, the Man with the White Beard and Red Coat
The common image of Santa Claus as a chubby man with a white beard and red coat probably goes back to Saint Nicholas. An American illustrator used a picture of him as a model when he created the typical Santa Claus for a Coca-Cola advertising campaign.
However St. Nicholas Day is celebrated, two things always remain the same: the children's anticipation and their smiles when they receive gifts.
On 11.11.2023 is Single Day - a full 11% discount on all items at howa on that day
While it used to be common to find some chocolate, a few nuts, apples, and mandarins in the boot on St. Nicholas Day, it has now become established that more and more smaller gifts are also found in the boot.
But before we get to the gift ideas, let's briefly talk about Single Day. On November 11th, most Germans think of the start of Carnival or St. Martin's Day. But more and more, people are hearing about "Singles Day." Originally started as a shopping event for single people in China (since no other date has as many lonely ones as 11.11.), it has now become the biggest bargain event in the world. At howa, on 11.11.2023, there is a full 11 percent discount on everything with the COUPON CODE: singleday23.
So whether for St. Nicholas Day, birthdays, or Christmas, you should act quickly. Why? Singles Day takes place before Black Friday (24.11.23) and Cyber Monday (27.11.23). By then, the top items could already be sold out.
Gift Ideas for St. Nicholas Day and Christmas
Whether for St. Nicholas Day or Christmas Eve, here are some gift ideas from howa. Smaller, lovingly crafted wooden toys for children that are always well received. For example, the howa candy bag with wooden sweets 4890 or the howa wooden cutting set of fruit and vegetables 4867?
Or how about the howa children's wooden drill with magnetic bits or the beautiful doll diaper bag "miniflowers" including 7-piece accessories?
Other smaller gift ideas from howa are the beautiful hammer game "Seaworld" as well as the lovely play store accessories crocheted fruit 7-piece set.
