St. NICOLA’S Day December 6th, 2011 Bartula Kasica Primary Zadar, Croatia L.S. grade 7

WHO DOES HE PROTECT? he is beloved as protector and helper of those in need We put shoes wishing someone good luck and giving a small gift

Many religions appreciate & celebrate Him Catholics Orthodox Christians Lutherans

St. Nicolas is a present-giver He had a reputation for secret gift-giving, such as putting coins in the shoes of those who left them out for him.

About St Nicolas The true story of Santa Claus begins with Nicholas, who was born during the third century in the village of Patara. At the time the area was Greek and is now on the southern coast of Turkey. His wealthy parents, who raised him to be a devout Christian, died in an epidemic while Nicholas was still young. Obeying Jesus' words to "sell what you own and give the money to the poor," Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering.

About St Nicolas He dedicated his life to serving God and was made Bishop of Myra while still a young man. Bishop Nicolas became known throughout the land for his generosity to the those in need, his love for children, and his concern for sailors and ships.

About St Nicolas Through the centuries many stories and legends have been told of St. Nicholas' life and deeds. These accounts help us understand his extraordinary character and why he is so beloved and revered as protector and helper of those in need. One of the oldest stories showing St. Nicholas as a protector of children takes place long after his death. 

About St Nicolas Widely celebrated in Europe, St. Nicholas' feast day, December 6th, kept alive the stories of his goodness and generosity. In Germany and Poland, boys dressed as bishops begged alms for the poor—and sometimes for themselves! In the Netherlands and Belgium, St. Nicholas arrived on a steamship from Spain to ride a white horse on his gift-giving rounds.