As shoemakers, we love traditions and lore that center around shoes. Saint Nicholas Day, December 6th every year, is one such tradition. It’s a sweet holiday about giving to others, and our owner Tricia loves to celebrate it with her kids. The holiday has evolved into many modern-day formats. The traditional custom is to set shoes out the evening before St. Nick’s Day. Then they are filled with little gifts and treats in the night. (Bonus points if your St. Nick's Day Shoes are Softstar barefoot kids shoes!)

The Origins of Saint Nicholas Day

Historians trace the beginnings of Saint Nicholas Day back to a bishop named Nicholas from the third-century AD in Europe. This bishop was especially known for his selflessness and care of the needy and sick and his generosity toward children. His wealthy parents died young, and Nicholas used his inheritance to help others in need. Many sources say he died on December 6 in AD 343 and that he was canonized as a saint within a century of his death. Over the years, his life spurred many tales and legends. Eventually, traditions sprang up to celebrate him and his spirit of giving.

One legend says that St. Nicholas helped families in need of money by tossing bags of gold into their homes through an open window. In at least one case, the gold apparently landed on some winter shoes and stockings that had been laid out near the fire to dry. That led to the custom of children putting out shoes or stockings at night for Saint Nicholas to fill with gifts.

The figure of jolly ol’ St. Nick eventually morphed into the modern-day Santa Claus and then became affiliated with Christmas. But some families in Western countries still celebrate St. Nick’s day as its own holiday, especially in Europe.

St. Nick’s Day Shoes

Each family who wishes to celebrate Saint Nicholas Day can make it special and unique to them. While it’s originally a Catholic tradition, today, Catholic, Protestant and secular families alike take part in these customs. Here are some ideas from various cultures that participate:

1. Many children set out shoes filled with carrots and hay for St. Nick’s horse hoping to get small gifts in exchange. (In some stories, it's a donkey). Sometimes a wish list accompanies the carrots.
2. Common treats to leave in shoes, boots or stockings left out for Saint Nicholas are fruits, nuts, chocolate, candies, cookies, coins, poems, riddles and small gifts. Some say these treats should be shared with friends and family in keeping with the spirit of giving they symbolize.
3. The placement of the shoes varies by culture. Sometimes it's only a single boot. Kids might leave them by the fireplace, on a windowsill, outside the front door, or outside their bedroom door.
4. In some cultures, the house is cleaned spotless on December 5 in preparation for St. Nick’s arrival. The shoes left out are carefully cleaned and polished.

Other St. Nick's Day Traditions

1. Nicholas Day is known as a “feast day,” and countless recipes have sprung up in association with the holiday. Browse these St. Nicks recipes for desserts, breads, cookies and more.
2. In towns or cities with Dutch heritage, there’s often a St. Nicholas Day parade in which a costumed St. Nick tosses candies to kids along the route.
3. What might you do in your community to help a family in need? Find something to do to focus on the act of giving instead of the act of receiving.

If your family celebrates St. Nick’s Day, we’d love to hear about your traditions. Please comment below with your stories. If anyone out there takes a photo of Softstars being used as St. Nick's Day Shoes, please share it with us! Tag us in the photo if you share it on Instagram, or submit it to our Fan Photo contest!

Elf Shelley

Shelley Stonebrook is a writer and editor who is passionate about the outdoors and environmental advocacy. She lives and gardens with her husband and daughter in Corvallis, Oregon.