The real man behind the modern day Santa Claus was St. Nicholas of Myra. Born in 280 A.D. in Asia Minor, he lost his parents at an early age, though they left him great wealth when they died. He was known for giving anonymous gifts to help those in need and was eventually made a bishop.
The good bishop died on December 6th; thus this day is now St. Nicholas Day.
The history of leaving shoes or stockings out for St. Nicholas likely stems from the story of him leaving small bags of gold for a man and his three daughters.
At St Nicholas School we celebrate the day starting with a Mass or worship, we have an off timetable day to remember our saint and to celebrate and show how proud we are to be members of the St Nicholas community.