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Holidays and Observances - Was There Really A Saint Nick?

Was there really a Saint Nick?

Saint Nick (Saint Nicholas) was the fourth-century Catholic priest Nicholas of Myra (now Mublia in southwestern Turkey). Although there are many legends about Saint Nicholas (many involving miracles performed to save children), little is known about him for certain, except that he was a bishop of the Roman Catholic Church. Catholics remember Saint Nicholas on December 6, his saint's day on the church calendar. Children may get a visit from a person in a long white beard wearing bishop's robes, who inquires about their good or bad behavior and gives out small gifts, such as candy or toys. The legendary Saint Nicholas made secret visits to homes, filling children's shoes with treats. Eventually the image and traditions of giving associated with Saint Nicholas combined with other images and customs to become the Santa Claus known to children today.

Further Information: Dues, Greg....

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