Birthday
HydrangeasSt Nicholas Day is one of children's favourite winter holidays: presents wait under the pillow in the morning. Since the OCU and UGCC moved to the Revised Julian calendar in 2023, Ukraine celebrates it on 6 December. Here is who St Nicholas was, the traditions in Ukraine and elsewhere, and what to give children and adults.
Small winter bouquets and poinsettias are available in our flowers for children and potted plants sections.
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Who St Nicholas was
Nicholas of Myra (the Wonderworker) was a 4th-century bishop of Myra in Lycia, in today's Turkey. He was known for his generosity: in the best-known legend he secretly left gold in a poor man's house so his daughters could marry — the origin of secret gift-giving. Since 1087 his relics have rested in Bari, Italy. He is the patron saint of children, sailors and travellers.
When it is celebrated
The OCU and UGCC celebrate St Nicholas Day on 6 December; it used to fall on 19 December in Ukraine, and communities that stayed on the Julian calendar still mark it then. Catholic countries have always celebrated on 6 December, and in the Netherlands the main evening is 5 December.
Ukrainian traditions
- Gifts under the pillow. Children write letters to St Nicholas and find presents on the morning of 6 December.
- Mykolaichyky — honey gingerbread decorated with the saint, a western Ukrainian tradition.
- Good deeds. Children are told that Nicholas weighs their behaviour over the year; the naughty get a symbolic twig instead of a present.
- Charity. A day of giving: adults collect gifts for orphans and families in difficult circumstances.
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St Nicholas and Santa Claus
Santa Claus grew out of the Dutch Sinterklaas, brought to New York by settlers. But while Santa comes at Christmas, St Nicholas arrives on his own day, 5–6 December, opening the winter holiday season.
Gift ideas for St Nicholas Day
- For children: books, board games, building sets, gingerbread and sweets, warm clothes, a letter "from Nicholas".
- For adults: small tokens — candles, tea, tree ornaments, home baking.
- Flowers: a small winter bouquet, a poinsettia or an arrangement with conifer and cones.
- Good deeds: a gift for a charity drive on behalf of the whole family.
How to write a letter to St Nicholas
Help your child describe their good deeds of the year, say thank you and list 2–3 wishes. The letter goes on the windowsill or under the pillow the night before. A lovely idea is to add one wish "for others", so the holiday teaches kindness.
FAQ
When is St Nicholas Day in Ukraine?
6 December, under the Revised Julian calendar adopted by the OCU and UGCC in 2023.
Where are the presents left?
In Ukraine under the pillow; in the Netherlands in shoes by the fireplace; in Germany in boots.
What flowers suit St Nicholas Day?
A small winter bouquet, a poinsettia or an arrangement with conifer.
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Author: Maria Svitlovir
Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.
