St. Nicholas Day

This is the feast day of St. Nicholas, Bishop of Myra (Asia Minor, today's Turkey) in the early fourth century, and remembered today as the patron saint of Russia, Aberdeen, children, merchants, sailors, travelers, parish clerks, scholars, pawnbrokers, and thieves.

It was the Dutch who, to celebrate the feast of St. Nicholas and his kindness to children, began the tradition of giving presents to children on his day.  They brought the custom to the New World, and Sant Nikolaas soon became Santa Claus.

And so, we wish a splendid day to all Hollanders, Russians, Aberdeenians, children, merchants, sailors, travelers, parish clerks, scholars, pawnbrokers, and thieves.  I am now searching around for something I can pawn.  Or steal.