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One of the wackiest real holidays in December is St. Nickolas Day. It’s wacky because of the traditions that it come with the shoes that are put under the fireplace and the chocolate coins appearing the next morning.

Besides the tradition, the day is dedicated to the supposed death of St. Nickolas.  St. Nickolas is a Catholic Saint and Greek bishop who lived during the fourth century in Myra (modernly known as Turkey). After the tragic death of his parents to an epidemic leaving him to be raised by his uncle.  Nicholas was determined then to devote his inheritance to works of charity.

The story of how Nickolas reached his fame was a story of a poor man who had three daughters. The poor man didn’t have enough money for a dowry so hid daughter’s couldn’t get married. One night, Nicholas secretly dropped a bag of gold down the chimney into the house so that the eldest daughter could be married. The poor man was filled with joy the next day to be able to marry off his daughter.

Nicholas later repeated this in order for the second daughter to be married. Then one night the poor man hid and caught Nickolas dropping the bag of gold for his youngest daughter. Soon the news got out and when the village received a secret gift it was thought to be from Nicholas.

Even though the holiday is celebrated mostly by Catholics, the tradition is mainly done by those who are of German descent. Even if you aren’t any of these things and you celebrate it, you now know the legend of St. Nickolas or to some who think, Santa Clause.