Swiety Mikolaj is
St. Nicholas-based Yuletide and makes his rounds on December 6. Resembling
a bishop, he wears a mitre (religious hat) and a long cape-style garment,
carrying a staff. Rather than letters to Santa at the North Pole, Polish
children leave their notes on the window sill, hoping to receive a present
in return.
If they do not, there is always Gwiazdka, Star of Giving, a feminine
personification of the Christmas Star. Following the Christmas Eve supper,
there is a visit from the Star Man, usually the village priest, who tests
the children in their Catechism and rewards them with gifts.
Christmas Traditions in France and in Canada
Domestic Church Communications
Web de Saint-Nicolas
Censure.org (french)
