For many families throughout the United States, the festive spirit of Christmas kicks off on Black Friday. However, in Greater Cincinnati, a unique celebration marks the true start of the holiday season: the Feast of St. Nicholas, commonly known as St. Nick’s Day, which is observed every year on December 6.
Although St. Nick’s Day is not as widely celebrated across the U.S., it has a special following in cities with significant German or Dutch populations, including Cincinnati, Milwaukee, Pittsburgh, St. Louis, and Cleveland. This festive occasion precedes the more prominent Christmas Eve and Christmas Day celebrations, involving traditions such as stockings and small gifts.
St. Nicholas was originally a bishop in the Roman Empire, renowned for his generosity and kindness, particularly towards children. His legacy as the Patron Saint of Children stems from acts of charity, including leaving gold coins for underprivileged children, which contributed to the modern custom of hanging stockings. St. Nicholas is believed to have died on December 6, 343 A.D., leading to the celebration of his feast day on this date.
On St. Nicholas Day, children are often treated to cookies, candies, and small gifts, commonly found in their shoes or stockings. Traditional treats include oranges, chocolate coins, and candy canes, with children also leaving letters for St. Nicholas and carrots or grass for his donkey or horse.
The tradition of St. Nick’s Day made its way to America with the influx of German immigrants starting in the 1600s. In Cincinnati, Dr. Ludwig “Louis” Rehfuss, a medical immigrant, established one of the city’s first Christmas trees in the early 19th century, further intertwining St. Nick’s Day with local culture. According to Don Heinrich Tolzmann from the German Heritage Museum, this custom remains cherished due to Cincinnati’s rich German heritage.
A notable distinction between St. Nicholas and Santa Claus lies in their respective celebrations: St. Nicholas rewards children based on their behavior throughout the year on St. Nick’s Eve, while Santa Claus carries on a similar tradition on Christmas Eve. The modern image of Santa Claus, created by Bavarian immigrant Thomas Nast in 1863, was influenced by the likeness of St. Nicholas, showcasing how these traditions have shaped and evolved together.
This year, as families celebrate St. Nick’s Day, they can appreciate the enduring legacy and heartwarming traditions that continue to bring joy during the holiday season.
In summary, St. Nick’s Day not only serves as a joyful precursor to Christmas but also honors the spirit of giving and kindness that Saint Nicholas embodied, reminding us of the importance of generosity and community during the festive season. As more families rediscover this tradition, it holds the potential to enrich their holiday celebrations with a deeper connection to history and culture.