Mysteries of

Saint Nick
 have you heard of these names?
Have you heard any of these names before? Look at the list and discuss what you think these names might have in common.
Can you guess which country each name is from?

Santa Claus
Sinterklaas
Father Christmas
Papá Noel
Babbo Natale
Kris Kringle
Saint Nick
Mikulás
Święty Mikołaj
Joulupukki
Nikolaus
Père Noël
St. Nicholas
 ANSWERS
Have you heard any of these names before? Look at the list and discuss what you think these names might have in common.
Can you guess which country each name is from?
What is common among all these names is that they are different cultural interpretations or local names
for the same historical figure: St. Nicholas.
Santa Claus: United States and Canada.
Sinterklaas: The Netherlands and parts of Belgium.
Father Christmas: United Kingdom and some Commonwealth countries.
Papá Noel: Spanish-speaking countries.
Babbo Natale: Italy.
Kris Kringle: Originally German, but also used in some parts of North America.
Saint Nick: Informal version used in various English-speaking countries.
Mikulás: Hungary.
Święty Mikołaj: Poland.
Joulupukki: Finland.
Nikolaus: Germany and Austria.
Père Noël: France and French-speaking countries.
St. Nicholas: The original name, widely recognized in various countries.
 Let’s talk!
Complete the sentences so they are true about you.

On St. Nicholas Day, my favourite tradition is... In my country, St. Nicholas Day is special because...

I remember when I first learned about St. Nicholas Day,

The best gift I received on St. Nicholas Day was...
I was surprised to find out that...

If I could celebrate St. Nicholas Day anywhere in the world, I would

choose...

One thing I would like to know more about St. Nicholas Day is...

St. Nicholas Day is different from other holidays because...

 Guess the country and tradition
Look through the photos, traditions, and countries below, and try to match them correctly. Which of these traditions were you already familiar with?

1. Stockings are hung and found filled with gifts on St. Nicholas Day, a a)Belgium, the Netherlands.
joyful tradition of receiving presents. _____ b)Poland, Ukraine, Croatia, Hungary.
2. St. Nicholas arrives on a ship accompanied by his friend, Black Pete, c) Some parts of the US, Canada, and Europe.
who helps distribute gifts to children. _____ d) Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, the Czech Republic.
3. Shoes are left out with carrots, apples, and a letter for St. Nicholas and
his horse/donkey, who travels with him from house to house. _____
4. Children find presents from St. Nicholas under their pillows, a special
surprise for their good behaviour throughout the year. _____
 answers
Look through the photos, traditions, and countries below, and try to match them correctly. Which of these traditions were you already familiar with?

1. Stockings are hung and found filled with gifts on St. Nicholas Day, a a) Belgium, the Netherlands.
joyful tradition of receiving presents. c) b) Poland, Ukraine, Croatia, Hungary.
2. St. Nicholas arrives on a ship accompanied by his friend, Black Pete, c) Some parts of the US, Canada, and Europe.
who helps distribute gifts to children. a) d) Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, the Czech Republic.
3. Shoes are left out with carrots, apples, and a letter for St. Nicholas and
his horse/donkey, who travels with him from house to house. d)
4. Children find presents from St. Nicholas under their pillows, a special
surprise for their good behaviour throughout the year. b)

Germany, the Netherlands,

Poland, Ukraine, Croatia, Hungary Some parts of the USA, Canada Belgium, the Netherlands
Poland, Czech Republic
 Vocabulary
Read each sentence and choose the option that best describes the meaning of the highlighted word in the context it's used.
1.This holiday, honouring the generous figure of St. Nicholas, is marked by 3.This character takes part in parades and events, playing an important role in the
different traditions around the world. festivities.
a) Famous a) Problems
b) Wealthy b) Celebrations
c) Kind and giving c) Discussions
d) Serious d) Stories
2.St. Nicholas, known for his generosity, gradually evolved into the figure of 4.Stockings, hung up on this day, symbolize warmth and the spirit of giving.
Santa Claus. a) Cover up
a) Physically grew b) Represent
b) Changed over time c) Hide
c) Moved to a different place d) Challenge
d) Became less popular 5.Legends about St. Nicholas often highlight his generosity and kind deeds.
a) Documents
b) Thoughts
c) Actions
d) Speeches
6.He was once drawn in bishop robes, often white, gold, or red.
a) A type of bird
b) A religious leader
c) A colour
d) A job
 answers
Read each sentence and choose the option that best describes the meaning of the highlighted word in the context it's used.
1.This holiday, honouring the generous figure of St. Nicholas, is marked by 3.This character takes part in parades and events, playing an important role in the
different traditions around the world. festivities.
a) Famous a) Problems
b) Wealthy b) Celebrations
c) Kind and giving c) Discussions
d) Serious d) Stories
2.St. Nicholas, known for his generosity, gradually evolved into the figure of 4.Stockings, hung up on this day, symbolize warmth and the spirit of giving.
Santa Claus. a) Cover up
a) Physically grew b) Represent
b) Changed over time c) Hide
c) Moved to a different place d) Challenge
d) Became less popular 5.Legends about St. Nicholas often highlight his generosity and kind deeds.
a) Documents
b) Thoughts
c) Actions
d) Speeches
6.He was once drawn in bishop robes, often white, gold, or red.
a) A type of bird
b) A religious leader
c) A colour
d) A job
 Read the article and check
Mysteries of Saint Nick if your guesses were right

St. Nicholas Day, celebrated on December 6th, is a day 2.Global celebrations. Around the world, St. Nicholas 4.Legends and miracles. Legends about St. Nicholas
full of wonder and various customs. This holiday, Day is celebrated with unique local traditions. In often highlight his generosity and kind deeds. One
honouring the generous figure of St. Nicholas, is Germany, the Netherlands, Poland and the Czech popular story tells of him secretly giving gold to a poor
marked by different traditions around the world. Republic children leave their shoes out, hoping to find family, which is thought to be the origin of gift-giving
them filled with sweets and small gifts. Meanwhile, in on this day. Beyond the well-known tales, other
1.Transformation into Santa Claus. St. Nicholas, countries like the United States and Canada, stockings legends of St. Nicholas include stories of him calming
known for his generosity, gradually evolved into the are hung and found filled with presents on St. storms and saving sailors. These tales showcase his
figure of Santa Claus, largely influenced by Dutch Nicholas Day. In Hungary, Poland, Ukraine and role as a protector and miracle-worker.
immigrants' traditions in the United States and the Croatia, it's a charming custom for children to find
iconic Coca-Cola advertising campaign of the 1930s. their gifts under their pillows. In the Netherlands and 5.His image in art. St. Nicholas is shown differently in
This advertising defined the modern image of Santa Belgium, the holiday includes the figure of Black Pete, art and stories. He was once drawn in bishop robes,
Claus as a jolly, red-suited character. a helper who accompanies St. Nicholas. This character often white, gold, or red. Nowadays, he's sometimes
takes part in parades and events, playing an in green or blue, each colour meaning something
important role in the festivities. good. The modern Santa Claus in a red suit became
popular in the last century. These changes show how
3.Symbolic meanings. The symbols associated with the image of St. Nicholas has evolved.
St. Nicholas Day are rich in meaning. Shoes left out
mean children are excited and waiting for St.
Nicholas. Stockings, hung up on this day, symbolize
warmth and the spirit of giving. Gifts under the pillow
are a fun surprise for the children.
 Let’s practice
1.Read the following sentences carefully. Based on what you have learned from the text 2.Look through the words below and try to recall where they were
about St. Nicholas Day, decide if the sentences are correct or incorrect. Explain your mentioned in the text and explain their connection to St. Nicholas or
answers. the holiday's traditions. Write a short explanation for each.

1. St. Nicholas Day is celebrated on December 5th. _________________________________ 1.Coca-Cola

2. In Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, and the Czech Republic, children eagerly leave
their shoes out on St. Nicholas Day, hoping to find them filled with sweets and small
gifts._________________________________ 2.Pillows
3. The Coca-Cola advertising campaign in the 1950s defined the modern image of Santa
Claus as a jolly, red-suited character._________________________________
4. In the United States and Canada, children leave their shoes out on St. Nicholas Day, 3.Warmth
hoping to find them filled with sweets and small gifts.
_________________________________
5. Stockings hung up for St. Nicholas Day symbolize cold winter nights. 4.Gold
_________________________________
6. Originally, St. Nicholas was always depicted in art wearing a green suit, symbolizing
nature. _________________________________ 5.Storms
7. One of the legends of St. Nicholas is that he was famous for bringing snow every winter.
_________________________________
8. St. Nicholas, known for his generosity, gradually evolved into the figure of Santa Claus. 6.Bishop
_________________________________
 Possible Answers
1.Read the following sentences carefully. Based on what you have learned from the text 2.Look through the words below and try to recall where they were
about St. Nicholas Day, decide if the sentences are correct or incorrect. Explain your mentioned in the text and explain their connection to St. Nicholas or
answers. the holiday's traditions. Write a short explanation for each.
1.Coca-Cola. This word was used in the context of the transformation of St.
1. St. Nicholas Day is celebrated on December 6th.
Nicholas into Santa Claus. The iconic Coca-Cola advertising campaign in the
2. In Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, and the Czech Republic, children eagerly leave 1930s helped define the modern image of Santa Claus as a jolly, red-suited
their shoes out on St. Nicholas Day, hoping to find them filled with sweets and small gifts. character.
Correct. 2.Pillows. The word "pillows" appeared in the section about global
3. The Coca-Cola advertising campaign in the 1930s defined the modern image of Santa celebrations. In Hungary, Poland, Ukraine, and Croatia, it is a tradition for
Claus as a jolly, red-suited character. children to find their St. Nicholas Day gifts hidden under their pillows.
4. In the United States and Canada, children hang their stockings on St. Nicholas Day, 3.Warmth. "Warmth" was mentioned in the part discussing the symbolic
hoping to find them filled with sweets and small gifts. meanings of St. Nicholas Day traditions. Stockings hung up for St. Nicholas
Day symbolize warmth and the spirit of giving.
5. Stockings hung up for St. Nicholas Day symbolize warmth and the spirit of giving.
4.Gold. In the legends and miracles section, "gold" refers to one of St.
6. Originally, St. Nicholas was always depicted in art wearing traditional bishop's robes,
Nicholas's most famous legends. It is said that he secretly gave gold to a
often white, gold, or red. poor family, which is thought to be the origin of gift-giving on this day.
7. One of the legends tells of him secretly giving gold to a poor family and performing 5.Storms. This word was used in the legends section, where St. Nicholas is
miracles like calming storms and saving sailors. described as a protector and miracle-worker. One of the legends includes
8. St. Nicholas, known for his generosity, gradually evolved into the figure of Santa Claus. him calming storms and saving sailors.
Correct. 6.Bishop. In the section about St. Nicholas's image in art, he was originally
depicted in bishop robes, often white, gold, or red, reflecting his historical
role as a bishop.
Game time
Answer the questions to earn points. Just
click on the presents you wish to open.
Each present contains some points that
you can either keep for your team or give
to your opponent (you will find out if the
points are lucky after completing the task
and making your decision). Don't forget to
keep track of them.
 Saint Nicholas Day
1.Match the words and the pictures below. 1.Match the words and the pictures below.
A) inheritance
B) less fortunate 1.As an adult, he became a) was born around 280
C) inspire a bishop and was known A.D.
for his generosity and
kindness,

2.Nicholas, the real life b) especially towards

inspiration for Santa children and the poor.
Claus,

3.Rather than spend it c)leaving him with a

all on himself, large inheritance.

4.His parents died when d)Nicholas used the

Nicholas was very money to help those
young, less fortunate than
himself.
 ANSWERS 1.b. 2.a. 3.d. 4.c.
1.Match the words and the pictures below. 1.Match the words and the pictures below.
A) inheritance
B) less fortunate 1.As an adult, he became b) especially towards
C) inspire C B A a bishop and was known children and the poor.
for his generosity and
kindness,

2.Nicholas, the real life a) was born around 280

inspiration for Santa A.D.
Claus,

3.Rather than spend it d)Nicholas used the

all on himself, money to help those
less fortunate than
himself.

4.His parents died when c)leaving him with a

Nicholas was very large inheritance.
young,
 Saint Nicholas Day
1.Answer the questions below according to the video.

What position did Nicholas hold as an adult?

Name two groups of people Nicholas was especially known for helping.

How did the tradition of leaving shoes out evolve into a modern Christmas tradition?

2. Read the famous legend about St. Nick and fill the gaps with the words below.
fire deeds daughter money

gold thank secretly

Long ago, there lived a kind man named Nicholas. He was known for his generosity. In his town,
there was a poor man who had three daughters. The man was sad because he had no
1.____________ for his daughters' weddings. Nicholas wanted to help them 2.____________. One
night, he threw a bag of 3.____________ through their window. It landed in a stocking that was 3. Answer the questions below.
drying by the 4.____________. This gold helped the first daughter get married. Nicholas did this What problem was the poor man facing?
again for the second 5.____________. And then, for the third daughter, the father waited every Where did the bag of gold land when Nicholas threw it?
night to 6.____________ the kind helper. When Nicholas threw the gold for the third daughter, What did Nicholas do for each daughter?
the father caught him. Nicholas asked the father not to tell anyone about his good
7.____________.
 ANSWERS
1.Answer the questions below according to the video.

What position did Nicholas hold as an adult?

Nicholas became a bishop.
Name two groups of people Nicholas was especially known for helping.
Nicholas was especially known for helping children and the poor.
How did the tradition of leaving shoes out evolve into a modern Christmas tradition?
The tradition of leaving shoes out, where children would find money or candy, inspired
the modern tradition of leaving out stockings for Santa.
2. Read the famous legend about St. Nick and fill the gaps with the words below.
fire deeds daughter money

gold thank secretly

Long ago, there lived a kind man named Nicholas. He was known for his generosity. In his
town, there was a poor man who had three daughters. The man was sad because he had no
1.money for his daughters' weddings. Nicholas wanted to help them 2.secretly. One night,
he threw a bag of 3.gold through their window. It landed in a stocking that was drying by the 3. Answer the questions below.
4.fire. This gold helped the first daughter get married. Nicholas did this again for the second The poor man had no money for his daughters' weddings.
5.daughter. And then, for the third daughter, the father waited every night to 6.thank the The bag of gold landed in a stocking that was drying by the fire.
kind helper. When Nicholas threw the gold for the third daughter, the father caught him. Nicholas secretly gave each daughter a bag of gold to help them
get married.
Nicholas asked the father not to tell anyone about his good 7.deeds.
 Good deeds
In groups/pairs discuss/write how you would use each of the following amounts - $1,000,000, $200,000, $5,000, $1,000, $100
for good deeds, and then present your ideas for each sum.
QUIZLET

Revise the words for the next lesson. Use this

Quizlet set. You can also play different games to
practice or even test yourself in the Quizlet app
or on the site.
THANK YOU!