Santa Claus Day

Santa Claus Day is celebrated on December 6. It commemorates Bishop Nicholas of Myra who lived by the beginning of the 4th century and obviously had a special heart for children. Bishop Nicholas is a saint of the catholic and the orthodox churches, and is regarded as the patron saint of students, sailors, bakers, traders, etc. However, it is unknown how "Santa Claus" came to Finnish Lapland and to the reindeer. In Germany his sleigh is usually drawn by white horses.

On Santa Claus Day the children receive presents. There are various ways for this to happen. Very rarely there are socks at the fireplaces in Germany. In former times the children used to put their boots in front of the door, but nowadays the gifts are so large and numerous that this is by far not enough. Therefore Santa Claus often comes directly to the children - it is either their own father or another relative, or the parents rent a Santa Claus at the employment office.

Part of the Santa Claus customs are songs and poems which the children learn in kindergarten or at school (and sometimes even at home). In kindergartens and schools there are also Santa Claus visits.

Last update: January 18, 2009