Wo is this St Nicholas anyway?

Cleaning boots, putting them out and hoping that you've been good enough to receive chocolate and maybe a small present. For many children in German-speaking countries, St Nicholas' Day is almost as exciting as Christmas. But where does the custom actually come from? And who is this St Nicholas?

Manchmal mit Bischofsmütze und mit Äpfeln - um den oder die beiden wahren heiligen Nikolaus(e) ranken sich viele Geschichten. Ob der Sack für die Geschenke oder die bösen Kinder ist, bleibt offen. Credit: C Squared Studios/Getty Images