This is often done by placing a bag filled with presents outside the house or living room, after which a neighbor or parent bangs on the door or window, pretending to be Sinterklaas' assistant. On the evening of 5 December, Sinterklaas impersonators (often parents or close by family) bring presents to children who have behaved well (or not; they often both receive presents) in the past year. Media related to Saint Nicholas Day at Wikimedia Commons, "Feast of Saint Nicholas" redirects here. The readings today speak of our trust and faith in the Lord. Like in Austria, in South Tyrol Saint Nicholas comes with krampuses. The creature has roots in Germanic folklore; however, its influence has spread far beyond German borders, in Austria, southern Bavaria, South Tyrol, northern Friuli, Hungary, Slovenia, the Czech Republic, the Slovak Republic and Croatia. Often they put a carrot or some hay in their shoes, as a gift to St. Nicholas' horse. We diligently research and continuously update our holiday dates and information. Both instruct us to have our Rock of faith as the Lord and keep our foundations in solidarity with … During his lifetime he developed a reputation for gift-giving by putting coins into other people's shoes, which accounts for many of today's Christmas traditions that involve leaving gifts in shoes or boots. If they fail to do so they will receive a visit from "Parkelj" or Krampus who traditionally leaves a rod, an instrument their parents will use to discipline them. In Slovenia, Saint Nikolaus (Miklavž) is accompanied by an angel and a devil (parkelj) corresponding to the Austrian Krampus. In the European countries of Germany and Poland, boys have traditionally dressed as bishops and begged alms for the poor. There are many names for Krampus, as well as many regional variations in portrayal and celebration. The U.S., however, doesn't publicly celebrate Saint Nicholas' Day. Advent is preparing for Christ's birth, both internally and externally. Its deeply felt celebration is called the Festa di San Nicola, held on 7–9 May. Nikoljdan (Serbian Cyrillic: Никољдан; Bulgarian: Никулден, romanized: Nikulden; Russian: Никола Зимний, romanized: Nikola Zimniy; Ukrainian: Cвятий Миколай, romanized: Svyatuy Mykolay) is the patron saint day (Krsna Slava, or Krsno ime, a Serb tradition) of Saint Nicholas, celebrated on December 6 (Gregorian calendar, December 19 on Julian). Krampus is thought to punish children during the Yule season who had misbehaved, and to capture particularly naughty children in his sack and carry them away to his lair. Saint Nicholas Day, also called the Feast of Saint Nicholas, is observed on 6 December or on the eve of 5 December in Western Christian countries, and on 19 December in Eastern Christian countries using the old church Calendar. More. 5–6 December]) and puts presents under the pillow. In Austria, Bavaria and Tyrol (Austro-Bavarian regions), St. Nicholas is accompanied by Krampus, represented as a beast-like creature, generally demonic in appearance. St Nicholas Day is not a public holiday. Children and adults go to the village square to throw snowballs and try to chase off Krampus. Christmas Day celebrates Jesus Christ's birth.