Saint Nicholas
December's generous visitor
Saint Nicholas was a 4th-century Christian bishop whose reputation for secret gift-giving evolved into the modern figure of Santa Claus.
The historical Nicholas of Myra became patron saint of children, sailors, and merchants.
His feast day on December 6th traditionally involved gift-giving in many European countries, a custom that merged with Christmas celebrations and transformed into the red-suited figure Americans call Santa Claus.
The children left their shoes out for Saint Nicholas.
- Kris KringleJolly December gift-bringer
- SinterklaasDutch winter gift-giver
- Father ChristmasBritish yuletide gift-bringer
- red suitScarlet ensemble
- gift-givingOffering presents to others
toy bag · miracles · stockings · miracle worker · Myra · saints · Santa · bishop · reindeer · feast day · presents · veneration · elves · charity · sleigh · December · chimney · milk and cookies
- SaintsJoan of Arc, Virgin Mary, Mother Teresa, Pope John Paul II, Thomas More
- Catholic SaintsFrancis of Assisi, Pope John Paul II, Joan of Arc, Mother Teresa, Boniface
- Christian LegendsHoly Grail, True Cross, Shroud of Turin, Spear of Destiny, stigmata
- Orthodox saintsHelena, Constantine, Virgin Mary, Archangel Michael, Archangel Gabriel
- ChristmasChristmas tree, Christmas, Christmas Day, Christmas ornaments, Santa
- Santa Clausred suit, white beard, North Pole, sleigh, reindeer
Saint NicholasKrampus
Folklore figure punishing misbehavior
Ebenezer Scrooge · the Grinch · Satan · demon
Saint NicholasEaster Bunny
Mythical spring gift-giver
Cupid · Jack Frost · Father Time · leprechaun
Saint NicholasSatan
Judeo-Christian arch-enemy of God
Lucifer · Beelzebub · Antichrist · demon · fallen angel