Born around 280 AD in Patara (modern Turkey), Saint Nicholas was a bishop famous for his generosity, secretly helping the poor, especially with tales of providing dowries for three poor sisters to save them from slavery. Feast Day: Celebrated on December 6th, his feast day involved leaving shoes for treats, a tradition continuing today. Dutch Influence: Dutch settlers brought the legend of St. Nicholas (Sinterklaas) to New Amsterdam (New York), keeping traditions of him as a red-robed, bearded figure who judged children's behavior.