6th • ST. NICHOLAS SURPRISE

St. Nicholas Day honors the real St. Nicholas of Myra (also known as Sinterklaus), a fourth-century bishop known for his generosity and kindness. Celebrated across Europe, this day often includes gift-giving traditions, like filling children’s shoes with small treats, symbolizing Nicholas’s kindness and selflessness. On the 5th of December, the eve of the day, children put out their shoes with carrots and hay for the saint’s horse. In the morning, they are surprised that the horse treats are gone and St. Nick has left in their place, small gifts for the children. Some countries celebrate on the eve of December 6th.

  1. ST. NICHOLAS SHOW SURPRISE: Have children leave out shoes or boots overnight, then secretly fill them with small treats and notes about something kind they did. If you really want it to be classic celebration, have them leave a carrot and “hay” the evening before.

  2. KINDNESS COINS: Make “kindness coins” from card stock, encouraging kids to share them with others as coupons for future acts of kindness.

  3. SHARE A SECRET GIFT: Inspired by Nicholas’s legendary gifts, have kids leave a small surprise at someone’s door—a handmade card or ornament—and ring the bell before running away!

  4. READ THE TALE OF ST. NICHOLAS: Enjoy a picture book or short story about St. Nicholas. Discuss what makes someone a good role model and how to incorporate kindness daily.

  5. CREATE A CHARITY JAR: Set aside spare change and small bills in a “St. Nicholas Jar.” Let kids help choose a charity to donate to at the end of December.

Mary Mayxmas activity ideas