St. Nicholas was born in the 3rd century (in 270) in Patara located in Lycia which is now southern Turkey. He was bishop of the city of Myra.

Saint Nicholas was known for his benevolence. He is credited with the miracle of resurrecting three children murdered by a butcher.

St. Nicholas died in 345 AD.

The crusaders recovered the relics of St. Nicholas, which were kept in the church of Myra, and transported them to Bari in Italy. A knight from Lorraine recovered the relics and brought them to the port. The town became a place of pilgrimage, and was renamed Saint Nicholas of the Port.

Following the miracle of the resurrection of three children, Saint Nicholas became the protector of children.

At the origin of the character of Santa Claus, he is the patron saint of Lorrain. The feast of St. Nicholas is celebrated on December 6 every year. This festival is as important for the children of France, as Santa Claus.

St. Nicholas is also celebrated in Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany, where it is a tradition to send greeting cards by mail for St. Nicholas.

On the feast of St. Nicholas, children traditionally receive gingerbread, chocolate, tangerines or cakes. It is also the occasion, as at Christmas, to send a card to the family to wish them a happy St. Nicholas Day.

St. Nicholas is accompanied by Father Whip. He gives whiplashes to children who have not been behaving.