Perhaps one of the most misrepresented figures in history, St. Nicholas was not the plump, rosy-cheeked Santa Claus of American folklore. Born in the third century, Nicholas lived in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) and inherited a large fortune. He became bishop of Myra in 300.

Nicholas was well-known for his abundant charity. In one famous example, he encountered a man who could not afford dowries for his three daughters. In Nicholas’ time, young women without dowries were often sold into slavery. To spare the girls this lot, Nicholas tossed three bags of gold through the man’s window. According to the traditional account, the gold landed in the girls’ shoes.

Another significant moment in Nicholas’ life occurred at the Council of Nicaea. Convened in 325, the council assembled more than 300 bishops to discuss a hotly-debated topic at the time: the nature of the Holy Trinity. Arius, a priest from Alexandria, promoted a position which essentially denied Jesus’ divinity. As the story goes, Nicholas was such a passionate defender of the truth that he slapped Arius in the face.

After Nicholas’ death, stories of his miraculous intercession spread. During the Middle Ages, traditions of gift-giving on St. Nicholas Day developed in imitation of the saint’s generosity to children. Traditionally, children leave their shoes out on Dec. 5 and are delighted to discover them filled with small, simple goodies the next day. These treats often include gold coins or oranges to symbolize Nicholas’ charity to the three maidens.

Why not sample these delicious, colorful pretzels on the feast of St. Nicholas this year? Even if they don't end up in anyone's shoes, they are a great way to celebrate this faithful saint whose feast day always falls in early Advent. Invented by an Italian monk in the Middle Ages, pretzels have three holes to represent the three Persons of the Holy Trinity. This is the doctrine St. Nicholas defended at Nicaea, so this is certainly a goodie with his stamp of approval!