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No one inspires more joy in young and old than St. Nicholas! Having a Saint Nicholas statue will be a constant reminder of the joy of giving selflessly to others.
Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, is best known for anonymously throwing bags of gold, under the cover of darkness, through the windows of a home wherein the three daughters living there were about to be sold into slavery for their lack of a wedding dowry. This generous act saved the young ladies from a wretched future and began the tradition of Santa Claus and gift-giving. Nicholas was also a staunch defender of the Catholic faith and suffered under the Diocletian persecution.
On the eve of his feast day, December 6, families around the world celebrate this special day by hiding treats (including chocolate coins) in their children's shoes to find when they awaken the next morning, to reenact the finding of gold by the desperate family in Myra.
St. Nicholas is the patron saint of children, sailors, merchants, archers, repentant thieves, brewers, pawnbrokers, and European students.