Almost every day on the calendar is a “feast day” for Catholics and other Christians. According to the Calendar of Saints (各々の日付に特定の聖人を関連付けた伝統的なカレンダーのこと), the 14th of February is Saint Valentine’s Day. I think most Japanese, both young and old, are familiar with that day. In recent years, Saint Patrick’s Day, which falls on March 17th, has grown in popularity.
One day that is not well known in Japan, but has lots of commercial potential, is Saint Nicholas’ Day. Saint Nicholas, or St. Nick, was an early Church bishop of the ancient Greek city of Myra in Asia Minor (modern-day Demre, Turkey) during the time of the Roman Empire. His reputation as a secret gift-giver gave rise to the traditional model of Santa Claus through Sinterklaas.
Today, the Feast of Saint Nicholas is celebrated on December 6th. In some European countries, this is the day Children receive presents. In other countries, such as the US it is a day when children receive chocolate coins and other treats from Saint Nicholas.
This year my boys received snowman cookies and Christmas-themed books in addition to chocolates from St. Nick.
From Wikipedia:
「ニコラオス伝には、前述のように教区の貧しい娘にひそかに持参金をめぐんだという伝承があることから、サンタクロースはこの伝承から発展したとする説がある。子供を誘拐し商品にする肉屋に赴き7年塩漬けにされた7人の子供を復活させ助けたという別の伝承から子供の守護聖人ともされている。英国オックスフォード大学の研究者らが、聖ニコラオスのものとされる遺骨の年代測定を行ったところ、その死亡時期がサンタクロース伝説と一致したとし、「この骨片は、聖ニコラオス本人の遺骨を目にしている可能性を示唆している」という声明を出した。」