Happy St. Nick's Day!

Mikulás candy is sold everywhere this time of year

Boldog Mikulás napja!  That is, Happy St. Nick's Day!  Last night here in Hungary, children put their freshly cleaned and polished boots by the window so Mikulás (St. Nick) would put candy and gifts into them.  If the children have not been good, they get wooden spoons (to be used as switches) instead.  This morning, most kids woke up to both candy (usually a chocolate Mikulás like the one in the picture) and wooden spoons in their boots. Mikulás dresses in a long, red gown with white trimming, more like the English Father Christmas than the American Santa Claus, but they all have a common history.
The real Mikulás, or Szent Miklos (Saint Nicholas) was born in Lycia, which is now in Turkey about 270 AD. He was born into a wealthy family, but his parents died during a plague when he was young.  As a firm believer in Christ, he used his wealth to help many poor and struggling people by giving gifts, most often anonymously.  It is said he would throw needed money through open windows or down chimneys. He became a respected bishop and was well-known for his kindness and generosity. Under Emperor Diocletian, Nicholas was persecuted, imprisoned and exiled for a time.  Nicholas was released when Constantine came to power and participated in the Nicean Council of 325 which established the Nicean Creed.  He died on December 6, AD 343 (which is the reason for the celebration at this time of year).
We celebrated today by enjoying a little bit of chocolate ourselves.  But it is good to remember that the fun today is really in honor of a true Christian believer who practiced what the Bible teaches.  Happy St. Nick's Day!