20 Days ’Til Christmas — St Nick’s Day Tradition

This post is part of the 100 Days ’til Christmas Challenge — one small step each day to make the holiday season less stressful and a lot more fun.

Some of my favorite December memories aren’t the big holiday moments at all. They’re the little ones. The things that took almost no effort but somehow stuck — the tiny rituals my kids talked about long after the ornaments were packed away.

A St Nick’s Day tradition falls firmly into that category. It’s simple. It’s sweet. And it’s one of the easiest ways to bring a little Christmas spirit into your home without adding anything overwhelming to your plate.

If you’ve ever wanted a tradition your kids will look forward to (that doesn’t require a full craft closet or a two-hour prep window), celebrating St. Nick’s Day is such an easy place to start.

What St. Nick’s Day Is All About

A classic St. Nick’s Day happens on December 6, but the fun begins the night before. Kids set out their shoes or stockings on December 5, and St. Nicholas leaves a tiny surprise overnight — something small enough to tuck into a shoe but meaningful enough to spark early-season excitement.

Different cultures celebrate St. Nick’s Day differently, and families today adapt the tradition however it fits their life. There’s no official script here. Just a simple moment of joy.

Why This Works for Busy Families

If December already feels like a juggling act, a low-effort St. Nick’s Day tradition is worth considering. It checks all the boxes:

• It’s quick. A few minutes after bedtime and you’re done.
• It’s affordable. The whole point is small, not over-the-top.
• It’s memorable. Kids hold onto tiny rituals more than big moments.
• It sparks the season gently. It brings Christmas spirit into the house without overwhelming it.
• It carries the heart of generosity. You don’t need a complex plan to cultivate kindness.

This is one of those rare holiday traditions that feels special without demanding extra energy — honestly my favorite kind.

How to Celebrate St Nick’s Day (The Easy Way)

If you’re starting a St. Nick’s Day tradition for the first time, keep it simple. That’s where the magic lives.

Set Out Shoes or Stockings

On the night of December 5, have your kids set their shoes by the door (or choose a stocking if that’s more your style). That simple act of placing something out creates excitement all on its own.

Older kids enjoy picking which pair to use. Little ones love lining them up. Everyone gets a tiny thrill knowing something fun is coming in the morning.

Slip In One Simple Surprise

This is where the tradition shines. One small treat. One small note. One small moment.

Think of it as sprinkling a little Christmas spirit into an ordinary weeknight — that’s truly all it needs to be.

Simple St. Nick Ideas You Can Use Tonight

If you’d like ideas for your St. Nick’s Day tradition, here are some sweet, no-stress options that fit perfectly into a shoe or stocking:

• A candy cane
• Chocolate coins
• A small ornament
• A sticker sheet
• A holiday pencil
• A packet of hot cocoa mix
• Fuzzy socks
• A handwritten note from St. Nick
• A kindness challenge card
• A holiday bookmark
• A fun eraser or silicone bracelet

These ideas stay small on purpose — thoughtful, fun, and easy to repeat every year.

Add a Little Kindness

Part of many St. Nick’s Day traditions is the spirit of generosity. If your family likes the idea, you can add one tiny act of kindness to honor that spirit:

• Leave a kind note for a sibling
• Hold the door for someone
• Send a cheerful text
• Share a treat with a neighbor

This isn’t about adding a task. It’s just a sweet extension of the story behind the day.

Make Your St. Nick’s Day Tradition Your Own

The best part about starting a St. Nick’s Day tradition is that there are no rules. You can keep it classic, add a twist, or even celebrate it solo as a fun little treat-yourself moment.

Whatever shape it takes, the goal is the same: a tiny spark of joy in the middle of December.

These small rituals often become the things your kids remember most — the simple traditions that thread their way into your family’s story.

Whatever shape this tradition takes in your home, the heart of it remains the same: a little magic, a little kindness, and a whole lot of simplicity. If you’ve been wanting something meaningful that doesn’t add more to your plate, celebrating St. Nick’s Day is an easy, heartwarming place to begin.

If you already have St. Nick’s Day traditions, I hope tomorrow brings a smile to your morning. And if you’re trying it for the first time… this might just become a new family favorite.