Every 6th of December my family celebrates St. Nicholas day by taking part in a European custom that is widely celebrated by the Germans. On the night of December 5th, me and my sister would put one of our shoes on a window sill. The next morning the shoe would be filled with treats such as candy and chocolate that was said to be from Santa. This dates back to the year 346, when a bishop, Nicholas of Myra (St. Nicholas), died on December 6th. The tradition started in his memory because he was a man born from wealth who was known to share with the poor. He would secretly give people presents and coins by throwing them down the chimney, through their window or by leaving it in their shoes. And so the custom was born and used to bribe children to be good all year. If a child had bad behavior, they would not receive candy but coal in its place. This tradition is a great way to remember St. Nick and fun for families to enjoy during the holiday season.Also it is passed down from generation to generation. When speaking to my mom, she said how her mother’s mother did it for her, my grandma did it for my mom, and she liked it, so she obviously wanted to do it with me and my sister. I’m glad the custom has lasted because it really connects me to my heritage. I also hope it continues.
Works Cited
“Germany.” St. Nicholas Center, www.stnicholascenter.org/pages/germany/. Accessed 22 Mar. 2017.
Glowacki, Kerstin Von. “Celebrating Nikolaus Before Christmas.” The Local de, 6 Dec. 2013, www.thelocal.de/20131206/15915. Accessed 22 Mar. 2017.
McIllwraith, Tanja. Interview. 23 Mar. 2017.
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