The name day of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker falls on December 6th. The Christian Saint, known for his kind heart and generosity, is the prototype of Santa Claus. Nicholas the Pleasant, called Sinterklaas, was revered by the Dutch, who brought their culture to the New World, including the legend of the benefactor Santa Claus. Over time, Catholic Christmas began to be associated with this fairy-tale character - a ruddy, white-bearded old man in a red suit with fur trim. In his honor, Santa Claus's birthday (Sinterklaas) is celebrated on December 6th. It is believed that the wizard's place of residence is the North Pole. However, the Finns rightly pointed out that reindeer, Santa's faithful companions, cannot live in a harsh climate without moss. Therefore, they “relocated” the fairy-tale character to Lapland. There is a lot that is controversial and ambiguous in the image and legends that have developed around the wizard in a white and red suit. In the team of Santa Claus, 8 magical deer with sonorous names are flying across the sky - Swift, Frisky, Thunder, Lightning... The menacing names of the companions may not disturb admirers of the fairy-tale character. But the black hand of his assistant, who delivers gifts from December 5 to 6 through the chimney pipe to obedient children, can be frightening. Black Pete, Santa Claus's assistant, has the right to both reward and whip a child if he has committed bad deeds during the year. This function was performed by the wizard's assistant until the 19th century. In the first half of the twentieth century. Black Pete became a friend of the guys, distributing gifts and gingerbread. Santa's helper used to carry a book with him where he wrote down the good deeds and evil deeds of the children. Now Black Pete has candy in his bag, which he generously scatters among the festive crowd. History tells us that things are not exactly the same with the image of a fairy-tale wizard. Before the Coca-Cola advertising campaign launched in 1931, Santa Claus was depicted as an elf in earthly socks or a stern hunter in a fur coat. Michigan-based artist Haddon Sundblom created a different image for the famous soda maker. Santa, with his light hand, has become a good-natured and smiling grandfather with a belly and a white beard, who wears a fur coat the same red color as a glass of Coca-Cola. Legend has it that the artist copied the wizard's facial features partly from his friend Lou Prentice, and partly from himself. So H. Sandball created the Christmas manifesto: a creature endowed with immortality, which became an international icon and the embodiment of the spirit of the New Year holidays. And only the birthday of Santa Claus refers us to his miraculous essence and Saint Nicholas the Pleasant - the prototype of the famous fairy-tale character. Sinterklaas's luxuriant beard, sincere smile and light blush endear him to adults and children. Thanks to marketers from Coca-Cola, a good wizard has appeared in the Catholic world, who is associated with magic, winter holidays and New Year's miracles. However, the company's participation in the creation of the hero does not in any way detract from the role that Santa Claus plays in people's lives. Each of us has illusions that he would not like to destroy,” said the famous theologian, humanist and thinker A. Absheroni. Therefore, the myth about the good-natured merry fellow in a red jacket has existed for decades, and December 6 marks the birthday of a real wizard - Santa Claus.

The increase in crime in society is due to a number of reasons. One of them is the use of alcohol and drugs by citizens. Under the influence of marijuana, opiates of plant origin and psychotropic substances obtained artificially, crimes are committed in an altered state of consciousness, of which 78% are classified as serious and especially serious. The fight against trade and distribution of the “hellish potion” began during the Soviet Union. Thus, on December 6, 1991, the Bureau for the Control of Illegal Drug Trafficking was formed under the USSR Ministry of Internal Affairs, which subsequently expanded into a department and then received the status of a central directorate. Problems of clandestine production, sale or transfer of prohibited substances also exist in modern Russia. Young people aged 18 to 36 years are at risk. Every year, out of 5 million citizens who use psychotropic substances on a regular basis, 9 thousand people die from a drug overdose. The situation is getting worse year by year. According to statistics, 32% of middle school-age children have tried drugs at least once. Criminal communities that import and distribute prohibited substances into the country through smuggling channels are under the control of special units of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. In September 2002, by presidential decree, a State Committee was created, which creates counteraction to illicit trafficking in drugs and psychotropic drugs. In addition to the listed functions, the department is engaged in the fight against the legalization of funds obtained from the trade in opiates, amphetamines and other psychostimulants. Drug use, as well as their legalization in some EU countries and US states, negatively affects the health of citizens, their safety and the safety of the entire society. The value of the dedicated work of the department’s employees is difficult to overestimate. Therefore, more than 10 thousand police officers working in the State Drug Control Service had a professional holiday in 2016. The order on its establishment was signed by Minister V. Kolokoltsev. Every year, December 6th marks the Day of Formation of Drug Control Units in the Ministry of Internal Affairs. In honor of the holiday, words of gratitude and wishes for professional success are addressed to the employees of the State Drug Control Service from colleagues and relatives. The formation day of the unit is celebrated by both active service personnel and retired employees. On December 6, distinguished employees and veterans of the Department of Foreign Affairs are awarded certificates of honor and diplomas, given military ranks, and are given material incentives in the form of bonuses.

Since 2010, the Republic of Kazakhstan has been celebrating another significant day. December 6 is an annual holiday - the day of the prosecutor's office. The Prosecutor's Office of the Republic of Kazakhstan is more than 90 years old. This body was formed in 1936. At the same time, Kazakhstan became an autonomous republic within the USSR. Playing a leading role in improving the well-being of society, the prosecutor's office is the most important body enshrined in the Constitution of the country. In 1992, by resolution of the session of the Kazakh SSR, the Regulations on prosecutorial supervision were created and developed. Thanks to these documents, the prosecutor's office within the independent Republic of Kazakhstan began to act on behalf of the state. The Prosecutor's Office of the Republic of Kazakhstan is the personification of strength and justice within the framework of government activities and policies of the country. The Concept, adopted in 2010, reflecting the actions of the legal policy of the Republic of Kazakhstan, acts as the core of the law enforcement system. This status defines responsibilities that include coordination of existing law enforcement systems. Elimination of violations prescribed in the legislation of the republic in the shortest possible time is the main goal of the prosecutor’s office. Young specialists gain experience and knowledge not only within the walls of universities, but also in the process of work, from fellow veterans of the service. The history and practical skills of dealing with violations are passed on from one generation of colleagues to another. What happens on the sixth of December? How do employees of the prosecutor's office and the entire republic celebrate the holiday? On this day, the most responsible, the strongest and bravest, those who are not afraid to show their skills and knowledge while working in the prosecutor’s office are awarded. In the republic itself, on the day of the prosecutor’s office, festive events are held: concerts are organized, memorable speeches are given, representatives of the older generation meet and share their experiences with newly arrived young employees.

Microwave Oven Day

In honor of the holiday, people knit or felt mittens from wool to offer them to everyone in need of warmth and care, hanging them on a tree. Volunteers will place most of the warm and beautiful accessories on Christmas trees growing on the territory of orphanages and shelters.

Laziness, along with greed, gluttony, lust and other vices, is one of the seven deadly sins in the Christian tradition. Reluctance to make efforts to achieve goals or obtain something hinders a person’s spiritual development and deprives him of an interesting and rich life. Nevertheless, unknown jokers instituted a funny celebration in honor of doing nothing.

On December 6, Western Christians celebrate the day of one of the most revered and beloved saints - Nicholas. It is from St. Nicholas Day that a series of New Year and Christmas holidays begin with a decorated Christmas tree and stockings over the fireplaces. But who was this saint, whose fairy-tale image has become so firmly entrenched in the Christmas folklore of many countries? What were his real deeds, and what legends are surrounded by his name? The real Saint Nicholas was born and lived in the 3rd century on the Mediterranean coast of Asia Minor. A wealthy Christian family provided the boy with a decent education, and his uncle, the Bishop of Patara, introduced his nephew to the church sacraments. Soon Nikolai becomes a bishop in the city of Mira. The years of his service coincided with troubled times in the Roman Empire. Christianity was either persecuted or protected by the Edict of Tolerance. Throughout his career, Nikolai set an example of Christian virtue, showing considerable concern for his flock. The rich inheritance received from his parents is distributed by the saint to those in need. He provides assistance to the innocently convicted and slandered, teaches kindness and mercy. The life of the saint describes an event that occurred on the sea route to Alexandria. One of the sailors was careless and crashed on the deck, falling from a high mast. Nicholas revived the unfortunate man with the power of faith. And on other sea voyages, the Bishop of Myra manages to save sailors from certain death, after which the saint is recognized as the patron saint of sailors and sea travelers. Another incident from life is associated with the rescue from shame of three sisters, whose father was not able to provide them with a dowry. The bishop secretly threw money at night for the girls, after which the girls got married safely. After the death of Nicholas on December 6, 346, the fact of his holiness immediately becomes clear - the relics begin to flow myrrh, becoming an object of pilgrimage. Since then, the glory of the saint as a miracle worker began, because prayers addressed to him do not remain unanswered. Around the 10th century, in the cathedral of the city of Cologne on December 6, in memory of the acts of St. Nicholas, treats were distributed to the students of the parochial school. Very quickly the custom spread throughout Europe and beyond, and Saint’s Day begins to be associated with children and gifts. The period of the Reformation rejected the veneration of saints, so the presentation of gifts was entrusted to the infant Christ or the Father of the Nativity, and the date was moved to December 24. The Counter-Reformation returned the saint and his functions, but the image of Nicholas was already firmly mixed with Christmas celebrations. Thus, a fairy-tale character gradually takes shape with a bag of gifts, deer, sleighs and gifts to all obedient children, shadowing the real-life saint of the 3rd century. The Dutch Sinterklaas sails from warm countries, accompanied by grimy chimney sweeps. French Père Noël rides slowly on a donkey in the company of Père Fouétard, a feisty grandfather with rods for naughty children. In Slovenia and the Czech Republic, Saint Nicholas is not afraid of the devil himself, so they walk together from house to house, deciding the Christmas fate of children. And for the first time, American Santa Claus began to receive letters with wishes, becoming a symbol of Christmas throughout the world.

December 6 (November 23, old style) celebrates the day of Mitrofan of Voronezh, who served as bishop of the Russian Church in the 17th and 18th centuries. His pious parents named him Michael and raised him as a righteous Christian family. Until the age of forty, he had a son and a wife, then he was widowed and took monastic vows at the Zolotnikovsky Assumption Monastery, taking the name Mitrofan. Distinguished from other monks by his deep humility and strict observance of the rules of monastic life, Mitrofan after a certain time reached the rank of abbot of the Yakhroma Kosmin Monastery. And in 1682 he was offered to become a bishop in the newly formed Voronezh diocese, to which he agreed and successfully coped until his last days of life. During all the time he served the Lord, Mitrofan built a temple and supported his parishioners in every possible way, including Peter I himself. After his death, his relics were preserved in the Annunciation Cathedral in Voronezh. Believers from all over the world came and continue to come to them, believing that they are able to heal from various physical and mental illnesses. On the day of Mitrofan, the establishment of a road for sleighs was celebrated. In addition to sledding, people organized fun celebrations with games, songs, and dances. Women baked Lenten pies, and men brewed beer from malt and hops. After sunset, unmarried girls performed fortune telling on bread and tucked it under their pillow before going to bed. On Mitrofan's Day, people predicted the coming summer. If there was a strong blizzard, then in the summer one could expect prolonged downpours. The sky with rare clouds on this day foreshadowed clear frosty weather in the near future. A clear moon in the sky promised a frosty winter. The sun hiding behind a dark cloud meant that we needed to prepare for a snow storm.

Spanish Constitution Day (Dia de la Constitucion)

Day of Defenders of Dubrovnik in Croatia (Dan dubrovackih branitelja)

Workers' Day of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technologies of Azerbaijan

Finnish Independence Day(Suomen itsenaisyyspaiva)

Orthodox holidays on December 6:

The great commander, diplomat, thinker and wise ruler devoted his life, full of difficult trials and hardships, to protecting his native land from invaders. Under the command of Alexander Nevsky, Russian troops defeated the Swedes during the Battle of the Neva in 1240, and the Crusaders in the Battle of Lake Peipus in 1242. The brave and fearless prince was a pious and pious man. At the end of his life, the ancestor of the Moscow sovereigns took monastic vows in the Pskov-Pechersk Monastery and began to be called Alexy. Alexander Nevsky always lived following the teachings of the Orthodox Church and adhered to strict ethical and moral principles. The merits of the commander and monk to the Fatherland and God were so great that at the Moscow Council in 1547 it was decided to canonize him “for patience and faith.” Monk Alexy passed away on November 14, 1263. On December 6, the body of the righteous man was interred in the city of Vladimir. This date in the church calendar marks the Day of Remembrance of the Blessed Grand Duke Alexander Nevsky. During canonization, Orthodox ascetics are ranked among the eighteen faces of holiness. The rank of “blessed”, which Alexander Nevsky received, was awarded to princes and kings who distinguished themselves by mercy, sincere service to the people and the church, as well as monks for their righteous life. On December 6, sermons glorifying the saint are heard in all churches and cathedrals, and Divine Liturgies are celebrated in his honor. Alexander Nevsky defended Rus' not only from the attacks of the Livonians, Swedes, Lithuanians and the Mongol-Tatar yoke, but also from the expansion of the Catholic Church. Its supreme hierarch, Innocent IV, in his letters constantly exhorted the prince to submit to the Roman throne. One of the Pope’s arguments was the consent allegedly received earlier from Alexander’s father, Yaroslav Vsevolodovich. Despite the fact that there is no reliable information about his adoption of the Catholic faith on his deathbed in 1246. History says that in 1251, two papal cardinals came to Novgorod to Alexander Nevsky with a bull - a seal with which they were ready to seal the agreement with the Catholic throne. The alliance with the Vatican gave many advantages to those who joined it. Thus, in 1247, the Lithuanian prince Mindovg adopted the Catholic faith, thus protecting his lands from attacks by the Teutons. However, Alexander Nevsky did not succumb to this temptation. According to the chronicler’s notes, the prince, having consulted with the court sages, responded to the papal cardinal with a refusal: “We know everything that is good, but we do not accept teachings from you.” The transition to Catholicism for Orthodox Rus' meant not only physical destruction by the crusaders, blessed by the Pope to wage predatory wars, but also spiritual death. That is why the church honors the memory and glorifies the blessed prince Alexander Nevsky. A ruler who defended state borders from attacks by enemies, both from the east and west, and defended the independence of Rus'.

Memorial Day of the Holy Martyr Theodore of Antioch

Memorial Day of St. Gregory of Akraganti

Memorial Day of St. Amphilochius of Iconium