Who is St Nicholas?

Today he is thought to be a jolly overweight man, who wears red and brings toys to good boys and girls on Christmas Eve. But this wasn't always the case. 

Legend believes that Santa Claus can be traced back hundreds of years around 280 A.D. to a bishop named Nicholas. from a place that is now known as Turkey. He was admired for his kindness in helping the sick and poor. It is believed that he gave away all his inherited wealth. 

On the 6th December, the anniversary of his death, he became a Saint due to his kindness and St Nicholas Day was created to honour him.

Many countries in Europe still celebrate St Nicholas Day. Children leave clogs or shoes out on 5 December evening, They awake on 6th December with these are filled with presents. 

If they leave hay and carrots in their shoes for Sinterklaas's horse they will be left sweets