December 6th: Celebrating Nikolaus before Christmas let kids smile.
In many countries across central and eastern Europe, December 6th is a day when children prepare for a unique visitor – Saint Nikolaus.
But why does the Santa look-alike come so early and why do all the children place their shoes outside their front doors on the evening before?
Is Nikolaus the same as Santa Claus?
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Though they have similar outfits, Nikolaus is not to be confused with Santa Claus, whom Germans call the Weihnachtsmann or Father Christmas. They are two different people. By the way, the picture how we see our modern Santa nowadays is an invention of the Coca-Cola Company.
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Who is Nikolaus, then?
Each year on December 6th, Germans remember the death of Nicholas of Myra (now the Anatolia region of modern Turkey), who died on that day in 346. He was a Greek Christian bishop known for miracles and giving gifts secretly and is now the patron saint of little children, sailors, merchants and students. Known as Nicholas the "Wonderworker" for his miracles, he is also identified with Santa Claus. Beliefs and traditions about Nikolaus were probably combined with German mythology, particularly regarding stories about the bearded pagan god Odin, who also had a beard and a bag to capture naughty children.
On the eve of Sankt Nikolaus’ Day, people clean their houses, and children polish special boots known as ‘Nikolaus-Stiefel’. They leave them outside along with letters for Nikolaus, as well as carrots or hay for his horse. The children also recite poems and sing songs for Nikolaus and make presents for him. The following morning the shoes and boots will be filled with sweets, nuts and fruit, though if the children haven’t been good, they may get the more disappointing offerings of potatoes, twigs or coal!
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What can we do to make you smile?
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8.8% Yes! New Year, New Me
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20.6% Yes - but I rarely stick to them
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70.6% Nah - not for me
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84.9% Same!
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78.8% Yes! It's better to regift what I don't need
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