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December is here, and with it a special day is approaching: St. Nicholas Day – a day full of little surprises and perhaps a little magic too! On December 6, we celebrate a tradition that has been with us for centuries and makes the Christmas season that little bit more festive. But there is more behind the boots full of sweets than just a nice custom – St. Nicholas Day also reminds us of values such as generosity and community. Here we show you how St. Nicholas is reflected in modern times and in our IT Center.
Who Was This St. Nicholas Actually?
St. Nicholas, whom we celebrate today as a saint, can actually be traced back to two historical figures. The better known of the two is Nicholas of Myra, a bishop who lived in the 4th century in what is now southwest Turkey. He is said to have dedicated his life to those in need and became famous for his generous donations and relief efforts. He stood up for persecuted Christians, endured torture himself and later stood up for his beliefs at the Council of Nicea. As this bishop died on 6 December, St. Nicholas is celebrated in honor of this date. [1]
Another, equally revered St. Nicholas was a 6th century abbot and bishop who lived near Myra and also left a profound legacy. Over time, the stories of both men merged into the revered figure of St. Nicholas, whose legacy is particularly characterized by his kindness and helpfulness. The bones of Nicholas of Myra were transferred to Bari in the 11th century, where they still rest today in the Basilica of San Nicola. So it’s no wonder that for many today, December 6 is a day of joy and giving – a reminder of how far-reaching the impact of kindness and generosity can be.
The Magic of Filled Boots
In many countries, especially in Germany, it is customary to leave the cleaned boots or shoes outside the door on the eve of St. Nicholas Day. During the night, St. Nicholas is supposed to come by and fill them with all kinds of goodies such as nuts, mandarins or chocolate. There may even be a little surprise hidden inside – but only if the shoes are spick and span! This custom reminds us how small gestures can bring great joy, in the spirit of St. Nicholas’ helpfulness and generosity.
St. Nicholas at the It Center: What We Can Take Away From It
St. Nicholas Day is more than just sweets and tradition – it reminds us of values that are more important today than ever. St. Nicholas stands for solidarity, helpfulness and a sense of community. These values are not only important at Christmas time, but also in everyday working life at the IT Center. Just like St. Nicholas, we can also achieve a lot through small deeds and mutual support, whether in our team or when working with other departments.
A Digital St. Nicholas Greeting
Perhaps St. Nicholas Day can also be celebrated in a modern way. A small thank you to a colleague, a digital greeting card or simply a nice message – these gestures also fit perfectly into the St. Nicholas tradition. After all, the spirit of St. Nicholas doesn’t always have to come in the form of a boot with sweets. We at the IT Center wish everyone a wonderful and joyful St. Nicholas season, which will hopefully bring you many small but wonderful moments!
Responsible for the content of this article is Hania Eid.
The following sources served as the basis for this article:
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