In Germany, the Christmas season has an exciting and unique prelude: Nikolaustag, or St. Nicholas Day, celebrated on December 6th. It is a festive time dear to both children and adults and represents one of the first tastes of the holiday spirit. For many Germans, it is the first big celebration of the whole Advent season—a mingling of Christian customs and local folklore, offering a warm-up for Christmas Day.
Who Was St. Nicholas?
St. Nicholas of Myra, the historical figure behind Nikolaustag, was a bishop in the 4th century who was well-liked due to his generosity, charity, and love for children. For various acts of kindness he performed, which included paying dowries for poor girls and saving distressed sailors, this saint was canonized. Over time, these stories evolved into the figure of Santa Claus in many countries, but in Germany, St. Nicholas keeps an individual image apart from the jolly, gift-bearing character we know from modern Christmas.
The Tradition of Nikolaustag
On the eve of December 5th, children throughout Germany enthusiastically clean their boots or shoes and leave them outside of the door so that St. Nicholas can pay a visit at night. Traditionally, at dawn the next morning, well-behaved children would find little presents, chocolates, nuts, and oranges in their shoes, while less well-behaved children would find a bunch of twigs inside their shoes, which was supposed to be a playful warning to be good.
Though this tradition varies from region to region, in many places, St. Nicholas is joined by figures like Knecht Ruprecht or Krampus. While St. Nicholas represents kindness and rewards, Knecht Ruprecht plays the role of the stern punisher, warning naughty children with his rod or sack. This element of gentle discipline brings an old-world charm to the festivities.
A Community Celebration
Nikolaustag is not only celebrated within households; it’s a festive event that echoes through schools, churches, and communities. Most towns arrange parades for St. Nicholas during which children get together to welcome him, sometimes to receive treats or to listen to seasonal songs and stories. In many places, the local church arranges a special St. Nicholas Mass, giving a spiritual value to the celebrations on this day.
Why Nikolaustag is Special
Nikolaustag is a time when Germans can revel in the magic of Christmas without the grandiose celebrations that take over Christmas Eve. This reflects the spirit of giving and goodwill, as the gifts are smaller, often homemade, and show a more thoughtful approach to Christmas.
The Global Reach of Nikolaustag
While Nikolaustag is widely celebrated in Germany, similar traditions are seen throughout Europe: Austria, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Switzerland all have their own unique twist on the figure of St. Nicholas and accompanying rituals. At the heart of every country’s tradition is the same message: care for the poor and needy with kindness and generosity.
How to Celebrate Nikolaustag
If you want to be a part of this appealing tradition, here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Get a St. Nicholas shoe ready: Have the children clean their shoes and put them outside the door overnight on December 5th.
- Share small treats: Fill the shoes with traditional goodies like chocolate coins, nuts, or even a small toy.
- Tell the story of St. Nicholas: Use this opportunity to tell the kids about the value of giving by narrating a story about this saint.
- Attend a Nikolaustag event in your local area: Many German communities and German cultural centers around the world hold Nikolaustag events, complete with a visit from St. Nicholas.
Conclusion
Nikolaustag is that special day in the German Advent calendar, a mixture of festivity and a lesson on kindness and humility. Nikolaustag really signals the start of the holiday season for many: an occasion to ring in Christmas cheer in a friendly and elated manner. So why not try celebrating Nikolaustag this year and bring a little German holiday magic into your home?
