This Elegant Black St. Nick Ornament
is 3 inches tall. He has a long gray beard and full mustache. This African American People Ornament is wearing an elegant long burgundy red St. Nick style coat, hat and boots over a long cream colored robe with gold, orange and dark brown ornamentation down the front. He has a straw basket over flowing with toys and gifts over his right shoulder. With these Unique Christmas Ornaments left hand, he is holding a blue and yellow lantern attached to a gold staff decorated with green garland. This Santa Ornament will stand on a mantle or shelf or hang on your Christmas tree. Select to see a complete listing of our Christmas Decorations Ideas.

The Legend of Saint Nikolaus.
In German speaking countries and Holland and Belgium as well, December 6th is the most distinctive children's festival of the year. St. Nikolaus Eve is a time of festive stir, it is a time of whispers and giggles, and of heavy steps on the stairs. Shops are full of many shaped biscuits, gilt gingerbreads, sugar images, toys and other little gifts. Select this link to view our Santas Elves and Children's Santa Claus Costume.
It is not easy to uncover the historic facts about Saintt Nikolaus, the fourth century Greek bishop of Myra in Asia Minor, who died on December 6th, 343. In Eastern Europe, Southern Italy and among the Greeks, he is revered most of all as the patron saint of seafaring men. Select this link to view our Christmas Stocking Holders.
In many regions, the festivities originally attributed to the gift giving St. Nikolaus have been transferred to Christmas, yet in Western and Southern Germany, in Austria, Switzerland, and the Low Countries, December 6 remains a day of joy for children.
When evening comes, St. Nikolaus, a reverend grey haired figure with flowing beard, will knock on doors and enquire about the behavior of the children. The custom of examining the children, where they will deliver a verse, sing, or otherwise show their skills, is still widespread in some countries.
St. Nikolaus traditions vary as widely from region to region as his guise and name. He appears as Ruhklas, Pelznickel, Klasbur, etc. He is afoot or astride a white horse, a mule, or even a goat.
St. Nikolaus also appears together with St. Peter, an angel, and the Christ child. As the splendor of the candle lit Christmas tree and emphasis on the birth of Christ, began to shift the function of the gift giving St. Nikolaus, Knecht Ruprecht became the servant and companion of the Christchild. In this role Ruprecht became the patron saint of Christmas and was called "Weihnachtsmann," literally Christmas Man, Father Christmas or Santa Claus. Select this link to view our Christmas Ornament Sets.