Let's be happy and cheerful:
St. Nicholas traditions worldwide and a tip for a new ritual with children

Let's be happy and cheerful:

St. Nicholas traditions around the world and a tip for a new ritual with children

It will soon be that time again: on December 6, St. Nicholas will come and bring presents for children who have been good throughout the year. But St. Nicholas isn't just a German tradition - there are similar customs and traditions in many countries around the world. We present the best-known traditions and reveal why St. Nicholas is happy to receive freshly cleaned boots.

Who is Santa Claus?

Behind the figure of St. Nicholas is Bishop Nicholas of Myra - a Christian saint who lived and worked in the 4th century in the Asia Minor region of Lycia, which is now part of Turkey. The bishop was also the model for certain attributes that characterize "our" Nicholas: The crozier and his robe.

Why does St. Nicholas bring presents?

There are many legends surrounding the Bishop of Myra. For example, he is said to have given gifts to three poor virgins. They were able to use these as a dowry for their marriage and were thus saved from a life on the streets. Instead of throwing presents, St. Nicholas brings the gifts to the children's front door - provided they have put out freshly washed boots on the evening before December 6, which he can then fill with his gifts.

Why do the presents go in the boots?

The question of questions: Why does St. Nicholas fill boots with presents of all things? It's probably a kind of educational method: St. Nicholas only gives presents to children who have been particularly good throughout the year. When St. Nicholas sees the freshly cleaned boots on the doorstep, he knows that someone has been particularly well behaved. In Germany, those who have not been quite so well-behaved have to deal with Knecht Ruprecht, who reprimands the children for their disobedience - although this custom seems to be becoming increasingly rare.

Sinterklaas in the Netherlands

In our Dutch neighbors, "Sinterklaas" begins his journey in mid-November: His ship departs from Spain and docks in the Netherlands. The arrival is celebrated with a huge party, which can even be seen on TV. With his helper, the "Zwarten Piet", Sinterklaas travels through the country and presents the good children with gifts.

Kleeschen in Belgium

The Belgians not only receive presents from St. Nicholas, but also give their "Kleeschen" a good gift in the form of cookies - and a little hay for his faithful companion, the donkey.

Santa Claus in Switzerland

In the German-speaking part of Switzerland, Santa Claus is out and about, in the French-speaking part Saint-Nicolas and in the Italian-speaking part Son Niclao. They all wear a white robe and are accompanied by the servant "Schmutzli", who praises the children for good deeds and reprimands them for misdeeds - those who have been really naughty are even threatened with being put in a sack. Gifts are given in the form of mandarins, nuts or sweets.

St. Nick in the USA

In the USA, St. Nicholas is much less well known than the famous Santa Claus, who brings presents at Christmas. However, in some areas of the United States, the St. Nicholas custom is also a tradition thanks to German immigrants. On the eve of St. Nick's Day, boots are placed outside the door and filled with sweets and small gifts.

Krampus in Austria

In Austria, St. Nicholas also comes with his presents, but he also has a somewhat terrifying companion: the Krampus. Although he resembles the German Knecht Ruprecht, he often appears in groups and particularly likes to scare people.

BÄR tip: Clean boots for Santa Claus

A great idea: organize a joint "boot cleaning campaign" with your children on the eve of St. Nicholas Day. Santa will be delighted to see clean boots and will thank you with presents. You can find out how to clean your smooth leather boots properly here, and you can read the care tips for suede boots here.you can read the care tips for suede boots here.

Not only Santa Claus will be pleased: cozy boots for the cold season

You're never too old for a Santa Claus surprise - or you can simply give yourself the gift of cozy winter boots that give you both support and freedom of movement. Pssst, insider tip: the boots for "the grown-ups" also fit a lot of Santa presents!

Our recommendations for this winter

We wish you and your loved ones a wonderful St. Nicholas Day - may your boots be filled to the brim!