The real St Nicholas born was in the third century in Turkey. He gave his inheritance to the poor and needy. One story tells of three students traveling to Athens to attend theological school. A wicked inn keeper robbed and murdered them and hid their remains in a pickle barrel. Nicholas was traveling on the same road and stopped at the very inn. That night he dreamed of the crime, got up and summoned the innkeeper. Nicholas prayed earnestly to God the three boys were restored to life and wholeness. St Nicholas is the patron saint and protector of children.