This holiday goes by several names, but it is called Nikolaustag (St. Nick Day) in Germany. Based on the region you live in, St. Nick travels by either boat, a sleigh pulled by blue goats or a white horse. St. Nick is a historic person, meaning he was an actual person. The figure of St. Nick is based on the Christian saint, St. Nikolaus of Myra. Legend has it that Nikolaus performed three miracles as the Bishop of Myra. The best part about St. Nick is the goodies he brings every 6th of December.
On the night of December 5th, German children set out one pair of shoes for St. Nick, who comes in the night and fills the shoes with candy. However, you have to have been good to receive a sweet treat. If not, you are in for a terrible surprise. Once again, depending on where you live, St. Nick's helpers may kidnap you if you misbehave. These helpers are known as Krampus, Knecht Ruprecht or Klaubauf. In true German fashion, Krampus' origin story is a bit gruesome. Needless to say, bad children are rarely heard from again if Krampus comes for them.
