As far as I know the German and Dutch immigrants brought their St. Nicholas traditions to the United States which was to celebrate St. Nicholas Day on 6 December. Then with the help of the book 'A visit from St. Nicholas' his working day moved up to Christmas Eve and an advertisment by Coca-Cola where he is pictured in the red and white suit for the first time, changed his image forever.
Picture of Nikolo and Krampus - St. Nicholas reads from his golden book all the good and bad deeds of the child. If the child has been good it will receive a bag with goodies like chocolate, nuts, apples, oranges or tangerines, dates etc.
Kamilla and Nikolo (1999) - Nikolo is getting the bag for Kamilla out of his big sack - she has been a good girl:
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