Over 1,700 years ago lived a monk named Nicholas. He was known for his selflessness and generosity and, unsurprisingly, for his gift giving. Nicholas was well known in his homeland of Myra, which is now know as Turkey. Stories of his acts of kindness spread during and after his life, and soon legends of his generosity grew across Europe.
Over time, his legend spread across wider and wider areas, partially due to its popularity with sailors. Back then, the requirements for who became a saint weren’t as clear as they are today. Many religious figures whose stories and reputations lasted over time became canonized as more and more people began to revere them, which is how Nicholas became a saint.
The enduring stories said that he was known for giving away all of his family inheritance to those in need, and traveled the countryside in search of others to help. Legend has it that he was especially well known for tossing gifts through open windows, which would land in or near stockings and shoes left to dry near the fire, which is one suggested explanation for where the tradition of hanging Christmas stockings came from.
St. Nicholas became known as a protector, and to this day the anniversary of his death, December 6th, is celebrated as a day of luck and feast in certain faiths.
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