December 6: St. Nicholas's feast day. John Zmirak writes everything you need to know. Excerpt:
The association of Nicholas with gift-giving isn't entirely arbitrary. Some of the earliest accounts of his life include the charming suggestion that he would throw money through the windows of impoverished girls so their fathers could afford dowries and they could be married–instead of lapsing into lives of prostitution. It's said that in one household he tossed three bags of gold–one for each endangered daughter. This inspired pawnbrokers ever after to hang three golden balls outside their windows. So the next time you swing by a pawn shop to pick up, say, an engagement ring or a .38, remember to say a little prayer to St. Nicholas for success in marriage or marksmanship.
This excerpt is an excerpt from his wonderful book, The Bad Catholic's Guide to Good Living.
