There are many customs for Saint Nicholas. They differ from place to place, but most of the customs are the same in every part of Serbia. There is still a little time left until the festive feast and everything that celebration of St. Patron's day should present. These are the customs that every house should observe.
- The festive feast must be according to Nativity Fast.
- Housework is left for December 21st, when three days have passed since the feast.
- Plant wheat on Saint Nicholas Day so that it will grow by Christmas.
- Children are given gifts for this great holiday, but secretly. Put small gifts in children's shoes, and leave the shoes near the window. Explain to the children that Saint Nicholas will leave them a small gift while they sleep.
- If you are able, distribute small gifts to other poor children as well.
- On the morning of the feast day, the family gathers and goes to church together to bless the feast candle, bread and wheat.
- After returning from church, a toast to Saint Nicholas is read at home. The toast: "In the glory and honor of Saint Nicholas, the protector of our family, I toast to the health, happiness and well-being of the family. May Saint Nicholas protect and bless us."
- Saint Nicholas is the protector of children, travelers, sailors, boatmen and the poor. It is believed that people should not travel on December 19th.
Happy St. Patron's Day to all those celebrating!
