December 6th is the Feast Day of Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of children. This day is especially exciting for children, since they begin to count the days on their Advent calendars in anticipation of Christmas morning.

Saint Nicholas, born in the third century in what is now Turkey, dedicated his life to serving God and was made Bishop of Myra, becoming renown for his generosity and love for children. He was imprisoned for his faith and eventually died on December 6, 343 AD. The anniversary of his death became St. Nicholas Day, a day of celebration.

In the Netherlands and Belgium, as the story goes, Saint Nicholas rode a white horse on his gift-giving rounds. Children would leave carrots and hay in their shoes for the saint’s horse, hoping Saint Nicholas would exchange them for small gifts.

St. Louis School embraces the tradition of Saint Nicholas and students here have been visited by St. Nick on his feast day for many years. On Thursday, Primary Grade students left their shoes outside their classroom in anticipation of receiving a treat and welcomed St. Nicholas in the Gym. Middle School students were happy to welcome St. Nicholas in their classrooms, enjoying the stories and customs from long ago.