St. Nicholas Day on December 19th: what gifts are accepted to give

The tradition of giving gifts on St. Nicholas Day has its roots in church tradition, which has evolved over time into a stable cultural custom. The history of this holiday combines religious meaning, folk customs and various national traditions. About how the image of the saint-giver was formed and what is customary to give on this day — in the material of Izvestia.

The legend that started it all

The tradition of giving gifts on this day is associated with the famous story from the life of Nicholas the Wonderworker about the secret help to those in need.

According to legend, the saint learned about the plight of a man who could not collect a dowry for his three daughters, and at night he unnoticed left bags of gold in his house. This act is believed to have saved the girls from unhappiness and helped the family cope with difficulties.

That is why, in the tradition of the holiday, it is not the gift itself that is important, but the meaning of help — without publicity and expectation of gratitude. In church and cultural practice, the image of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker is often associated with the idea of hidden benevolence, and the custom of giving is considered as a continuation of his mercy.

Why do they put gifts in a stocking and a shoe

In some versions of the legend, a bag of gold accidentally fell into a stocking lying on the floor, and this image later became an explanation for the European custom of waiting for gifts in stockings over the fireplace. Cultural reviews also connect the "stocking" tradition with the idea that the saint threw help through the chimney, which is why the fabulous detail about the nocturnal guest who comes through the chimney was fixed.

In Catholic countries, the saint's memory is celebrated on December 6, and there a gift is often sought in shoes: for example, on the night before the holiday, children leave a special shoe, which the saint "fills", assessing the child's behavior during the outgoing year. For disobedience, instead of sweets, children can be given a symbolic "punishment" in the form of twigs or charcoal.

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How St. Nicholas became a "giver" to the whole world

The connection with Santa Claus also follows a historical chain: the name Santa Claus in the English-speaking tradition is explained by a distortion of the Dutch Sinterklaas, that is, "Saint Nicholas." Cultural publications note that the Dutch brought the celebration of St. Nicholas Day to New Amsterdam (the future New York), where the image gradually changed and became part of the American Christmas story.​

Over time, the children's holiday in Europe largely merged with Christmas, because it became customary to give gifts on Christmas days. In Russia, the tradition of giving gifts to children on St. Nicholas Day became widespread by the end of the 19th century, although St. Nicholas Day itself has long been celebrated solemnly as an important calendar holiday.

What to give with meaning

The modern tradition of giving gifts on St. Nicholas Day, as a rule, involves small gifts, which corresponds to the idea of a "secret gift box", which is usually found in the morning. When choosing, it is often recommended to focus not on the cost, but on the meaning of the gift — the desire to please, support or express gratitude.

They usually choose simple and practical things that are easy to leave unnoticed and that are pleasant to receive: sweets, books, warm accessories, board games or creative kits.

As an alternative, symbolic gifts are increasingly being used, such as postcards offering a walk together, a visit to a museum, or a family activity without gadgets.

At the same time, experts advise to keep the main motive of the holiday — inconspicuous help. In this logic, the day can be used to do one good deed without publicity, whether it's a charitable donation, helping elderly neighbors, or giving a gift to a child from a family in need.

It is also emphasized that the tradition of giving should not turn into a competition: one thoughtful gift and kind words are considered more appropriate than a set of random gifts.