Saint Nicholas, NIHK uh luhs or NIHK luhs, Feast of, is a children's festival celebrated on December 6, the feast day of Saint Nicholas. The saint was a bishop who lived in Asia Minor during the A.D. 300's. He has been the patron saint of children since the Middle Ages. The festival is observed primarily in Europe. In some countries, children fill their shoes with straw and carrots for Saint Nicholas' horse on the night of December 5, St. Nicholas Eve, when Saint Nicholas visits their homes. In the morning, they find the straw and carrots replaced by small toys and cookies. But if children have been naughty, they receive a whipping rod to remind them that someone is watching their behavior.