Saint Nicholas: The Real Saint Behind Christmas

Long before there was a jolly man in a red suit, there was a bishop who loved the poor. Saint Nicholas of Myra is the real saint behind Santa Claus, and his feast on December 6 is a lovely way to keep Christ at the center of the Christmas season. In this guide you will meet the real Saint Nicholas, learn how his story became the Santa Claus tradition, and find ideas for celebrating his feast, including a Saint Nicholas medal that lasts long after the wrapping paper is gone.

Who Was Saint Nicholas?

Saint Nicholas was a bishop in the fourth century. He served the city of Myra in Lycia, a region on the southern coast of what is now Turkey. Very few written records survive from his lifetime, but devotion to him spread quickly after his death, first in the East and then throughout Europe. Over the centuries, he became one of the most popular saints in the whole Church.

Nicholas was remembered above all as a generous shepherd who cared for the poor, defended the weak, and gave in secret. In 1087, his relics were carried from Myra to Bari, in southern Italy, where they are still venerated in the Basilica of Saint Nicholas.

The three bags of gold

The best-known story about Saint Nicholas tells of a poor father with three daughters. He had no money for their dowries, and without dowries they could not marry and faced a hard future. Nicholas heard of their trouble. Not wanting any credit, he went to the house by night and tossed a bag of gold through the window, enough for the eldest daughter. Later he did the same for the second, and then the third. On the last night, the story goes, the father caught him and thanked him, and Nicholas asked him to tell no one.

This story is why Saint Nicholas is often shown holding three golden balls or bags, and why giving in secret is at the heart of his feast.

Feast day and patronage

His feast day is December 6, and it is kept on the Church's General Roman Calendar. Saint Nicholas is the Patron Saint of children, and he is also widely honored as the Patron Saint of sailors, bakers, and merchants.

From Saint Nicholas to Santa Claus

For centuries, children in many parts of Europe have received small gifts on the eve or the morning of Saint Nicholas Day. In the Netherlands, the saint is known as Sinterklaas. When Dutch settlers came to America, they brought Sinterklaas with them, and over time the name and the figure changed into the Santa Claus we know today, with his gifts moved to Christmas.

Santa Claus can still be a happy part of a Catholic Christmas. But it is good for children to know that behind the legend is a real man, a holy bishop who gave because he loved Christ and saw Christ in the poor.

Ways to Celebrate Saint Nicholas Day

• Put out shoes. On the night of December 5, children set their shoes by the door or the fireplace. In the morning they find small treats, such as chocolate coins, an orange, or a candy cane, which some families see as a reminder of a bishop's crozier.
• Give in secret. Choose a neighbor, a coworker, or a family in need, and leave a small gift without signing your name.
• Read his story together. The story of the three bags of gold is a wonderful way to talk with children about generosity.
• Give one meaningful gift. Many families make December 6 the day for a single lasting religious gift, such as a medal, so it does not get lost among the Christmas presents.

Choosing a Saint Nicholas Medal

Our Saint Nicholas medals show him in his bishop's vestments, holding a book. They make a meaningful gift for anyone named Nicholas, Nicole, or Nicola, for a child who loves his story, or for anyone who works as a baker, merchant, or sailor.

For a child

The Patron Saint Nicholas Round Sterling Silver Medal Pendant with Chain ($74.95) is a small 20mm medal on an 18" chain, a good size for a child or a teen. The Patron Saint Nicholas Oval Sterling Silver Medal Pendant with Chain ($79.95) is a slim 22mm oval on a 20" chain.

For an adult

For a man, or for anyone who likes a bolder medal, the 27mm oval Saint Nicholas medal ($99.95) and the 32mm oval Saint Nicholas medal ($144.95) both come on a 24" chain. The Patron Saint Nicholas Round Sterling Silver Medal ($114.95) is a heavier round design with a 20" chain.

Every Saint Nicholas medal is solid sterling silver and comes in a deluxe velvet gift box, which makes it easy to tuck into a shoe on the night of December 5. If you plan to give it on his feast, order early so it arrives in time.

See all of our designs in the Saint Nicholas collection, and for more gift ideas for the season, visit our Catholic Christmas gift guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Saint Nicholas the same as Santa Claus?

Santa Claus grew out of the memory of Saint Nicholas, especially through the Dutch Sinterklaas tradition. Saint Nicholas himself was a real fourth century bishop, honored by the Church as a saint, while Santa Claus is a later folk figure.

When is Saint Nicholas Day?

December 6. Many families celebrate on the evening of December 5, when children put out their shoes, and on the morning of December 6.

What is Saint Nicholas the Patron Saint of?

He is best known as the Patron Saint of children. He is also honored as the Patron Saint of sailors, bakers, and merchants, among others.

What is a good Saint Nicholas Day gift?

Traditional gifts are small: chocolate coins, oranges, or candy. For a gift that lasts, a Saint Nicholas medal is a lovely choice, especially for a child named after him.