Have you ever heard of Saint Nicholas Day? If not, you’re not alone—it’s not exactly a common tradition here in North Carolina. Despite its rarity, we celebrate it in my house anyway. And over the years, it’s become one of our most beloved holiday traditions.

We adopted St. Nicholas Day during the girls’ first year of homeschool. That year, we studied Christmas traditions from around the world. Germany captured my attention since I have some German roots on Mama’s side.

As we explored the folklore of Krampus and St. Nick, I couldn’t help but feel a pang of sadness. So many beautiful German traditions had faded from my family over the generations, making it seem like a piece of our heritage had been quietly lost to time.

So, I decided to breathe new life into one of those old traditions: St. Nicholas Day. And just like that, a family tradition was reborn.

For those unfamiliar, Saint Nicholas Day is celebrated on December 6th to honor the real St. Nicholas, a 4th-century bishop renowned for his generosity and kindness. 

One of his most famous acts of compassion tells of a desperate father with three daughters. Unable to afford dowries, the father was on the brink of selling his daughters into servitude. St. Nicholas, moved by their plight, secretly delivered sacks of gold coins through their window over three nights, saving them from a grim future.

While many recognize St. Nicholas as the inspiration for Santa Claus, his story is rooted in humble acts of kindness and selflessness. Across much of Europe, December 6th is celebrated with small but meaningful gestures: sweet treats, little gifts, or tokens tucked into children’s shoes—acts that honor his legendary benevolence.

At our house, the tradition begins on the evening of December 5th. Each of us places our shoes by the fireplace with a whispered reminder to “be good, just in case St. Nick is watching.” The air is charged with quiet anticipation as we settle in for the night.

There’s also the playful warning: if St. Nick doesn’t bring treats, it might be Krampus—the mischief-maker who punishes bad behavior—coming to carry us off instead!

In those early years, I loved hearing the sound of tiny feet racing down the hallway at dawn, the girls’ giggles and gasps filling the room as they checked their shoes for surprises.

The gifts are always simple but thoughtful: chocolate coins (a nod to the gold from St. Nicholas’ story), an orange, and sometimes a small toy or ornament.

More than the gifts, St. Nicholas Day is a gentle reminder of the true spirit of the holiday season. December can be a whirlwind of to-do lists, shopping, and packed calendars, but this tradition slows us down. It gives us a moment to reflect on the joy of giving, on small acts of kindness, and on the simple ways we can show love to those around us.

It’s not just about filling shoes; it’s about filling hearts—with thoughtfulness, gratitude, and generosity.