St. Mykolay’s Day in Ukraine on December 6th: History, Traditions & Gift Ideas

There is something special about waking up on St. Mykolay’s Day and reaching under your pillow to see what is waiting there. It might be a sweet, a little toy, or a small gift you had been hoping for. The surprise is often simple. The feeling stays with you.

For us at Gifts From Ukraine, December 6 is where the holiday season begins. Then comes Christmas on December 25, followed by New Year on January 1. But St. Mykolay’s Day has a charm of its own: a quiet act of kindness, a secret kept overnight, and someone’s delight in the morning.

Who was St. Mykolay?

St. Mykolay is the Ukrainian name for Saint Nicholas, the bishop of Myra, in what is now Türkiye. He is remembered for his generosity and care for people in need.

One of the best-known legends tells of Nicholas secretly giving gold to a poor family with three daughters. There are different versions of the story, but the part that matters here is his wish to help without drawing attention to himself.

That is a lovely thought to carry into the holiday: do something kind simply because you can.

Why do we celebrate on December 6?

We celebrate St. Mykolay’s Day on December 6, with the excitement beginning the evening before. You may remember December 19 from earlier celebrations or see that date in families following the Julian calendar. Following recent church-calendar changes, many Ukrainian families now celebrate on December 6. Customs and dates can still vary between families and communities.

In our home, December 6 is the first little celebration of the winter holidays.

Letters, little surprises, and gifts under the pillow

Before the holiday, children may write a letter to St. Mykolay. Some share their wishes; others tell him about the good things they have done. It can become a sweet family moment, especially when the conversation turns from “What would you like?” to “Who could we do something kind for?”

During the night, gifts appear beneath pillows, or sometimes in boots. Sweets, fruit, books, games, toys, and warm accessories are all familiar choices. The present does not need to be big or expensive. Much of the joy comes from knowing someone thought of you.

And it is not only for children. A little surprise for your partner, a friend, or a parent can be just as welcome.

A day for gathering and giving

Special biscuits called mykolaychyky are associated with the celebration. Schools and community groups may organise performances, crafts, and a visit from someone dressed as St. Mykolay.

There is also a generous side to the day, with charitable activities and presents for children in need. If you are celebrating at home, you might choose one small way to help someone beyond your own family. It does not have to be complicated to matter.

What makes a good St. Mykolay’s Day gift?

I would start with the person rather than the price. What would make them smile? A bear to cuddle, something for their collection, or an ornament they can hang on the Christmas tree a few weeks later?

Here are a few ideas from our store. Check the individual product details when choosing for a child, including age suitability. Decorative ornaments are keepsakes, not play toys.

A teddy bear with a little Ukrainian heart

Our Blue Myroslav and Yellow Myroslav bears are a cheerful choice for someone who loves Ukraine’s blue and yellow. The I Love Ukraine Teddy Bear carries its message right on its little T-shirt.

You can find more ideas in our Ukrainian toys collection.

A small ornament they will bring out every year

For someone who loves aircraft, the “Mriya” AN-225 handmade ornament is a gift with a story behind it. Give it on St. Mykolay’s Day, and it can take its place on the tree when Christmas arrives.

The Carpathian Coffee Bear is another lovely little keepsake for someone who enjoys scented decorations. It combines Ukrainian-inspired patterns with coffee, cinnamon, and vanilla aromas. This one is a decoration rather than a play toy.

Something for the collector

If you know someone who collects stamps, the Ukrposhta “Happy Holidays!” stamp sheet is especially fitting. Its five winter celebrations include St. Nicholas Day, so the gift connects directly to the occasion.

A surprise for someone who is not a child anymore

There is no reason adults should miss out. A Poppy Petrykivka bracelet or Blue Bloom Petrykivka bracelet makes a personal gift for someone who enjoys Ukrainian folk art. For a friend who loves their home, consider a hand-painted Poppies candle holder.

Add a few handwritten words about why you chose it. Sometimes that is the part people keep longest.

Keep the celebration simple

On December 5, you could write letters together, talk about an act of kindness, and quietly prepare a surprise for the morning. Follow each product’s safety guidance, and keep gifts and packaging out of infant sleep spaces.

On December 6, take a little time to enjoy it together. There is no need to turn the day into a big event. A small gift and an unhurried moment can be enough.

The people behind our gifts

For us, these gifts are personal. They are made in Ukraine during the war by people who have chosen to remain in their homes and keep creating.

When you choose Ukrainian-made products, you support their work. You help keep skills, workshops, and Ukrainian craftsmanship part of everyday life, even through extraordinarily difficult circumstances.

That feels close to the spirit of St. Mykolay’s Day: thinking of someone else, and finding a way to show it.

From our Canadian warehouse to your celebration

We place every gift in a gift bag with blue and yellow tissue paper. It is a small Ukrainian touch that we love sending along with your present.

We offer fast worldwide shipping from our Canadian warehouse, with free shipping on orders over $80. If you are shopping for December 6, please order early. Delivery times depend on your destination and shipping service, so contact us before ordering if you need something by a particular date.

You can browse our Ukrainian Christmas gifts collection for St. Mykolay’s Day and the celebrations that follow.

Whatever you choose, I hope it brings someone that lovely feeling of waking up and realising they have been remembered.