THE MALTESE ORIGIN OF CHRISTMAS – THE STORY OF NIKOLA – from Siggiewi, Malta
This year, Doninu (Malta) International is proudly working to revive and share a unique Maltese Christmas tradition—one that, according to this heritage narrative, was born on the islands of Malta.
The Beginning – A Man Named Nikol
Generations ago, there lived a humble man named Nikol, named in honor of Saint Nicholas, whom he deeply admired and followed. Witnessing the poverty around him—families struggling, children without food or joy—Nikol felt called to act.
Driven by compassion and inspired by Saint Nicholas, he chose not to ignore suffering, but to bring hope.
The First Santa – Created in Malta in the year 1600
As Christmas approached in Malta, Nikol and his wife Marija, who was from Siġġiewi, came up with a remarkable idea.
They collected old Maltese flags that were no longer in use. Carefully, they cut and stitched the fabric together to create a special costume—red and white, inspired by Saint Nicholas himself.
From this moment, a new character was born.
They called him “Santa.”
Mastru Nikola – The Craftsman of Joy
Nikol was known in his village as “Mastru Nikola”, a skilled craftsman. He worked with wood, metal, and any materials he could find. He was also a clever trader and builder.
From scraps of wood, he created toys.
From paper and clay gathered from places like Għajn Tuffieħa, he built cribs and figurines.
Nothing was wasted—everything was transformed into something meaningful.
Helping him was a young assistant named Ċikku taż-Że, a shy but talented boy who lived near Nikol’s small workshop on a nearby farm.
The First Christmas Journey – YEAR 1600
Together, they prepared gifts for children.
On Christmas Eve, at around six in the evening, Nikol and Ċikku loaded all the gifts onto a handmade sleigh—built from a cart. The sleigh was pulled by three donkeys, and to ease the burden, they added a strong animal named Rudolfu.
And so, they began their journey.
From house to house, farm to farm, they traveled across the Maltese countryside.
Children would open their doors and see this mysterious figure—dressed in red and white, with a large white beard made of cotton. They did not recognize him, but they felt joy.
He gave them gifts, wished them a Merry Christmas, and quietly moved on.
The Grand Master’s Encounter
On that very night, the Grand Master happened to pass by in his carriage.
Curious, he asked what this elderly man was doing.
When told that Mastru Nikola was distributing gifts to bring joy to children, the Grand Master was deeply moved.
He ordered his knights:
“When this man finishes his journey tonight, bring him to my palace. I wish to know more about him and his idea.”
Recognition and Support
After all the gifts were delivered, Ċikku returned the animals to the farm, while Mastru Nikola was escorted to the Grand Master’s palace.
There, they spoke at length.
The Grand Master was inspired by Nikol’s kindness and vision. He promised to support this tradition, ensuring that Christmas would become a time of joy, generosity, and love.
A Tradition Born in Malta
And so, from this small island full of heart, a tradition was born.
A story of giving.
A story of love.
A story of Santa.
The Legacy Continues
Today, Doninu (Malta) International is reviving this powerful Maltese legend.
Through a remarkable encounter, Doninu met Mastru Kola, a descendant of Mastru Nikola—now the ten generation carrying this legacy.
As tradition dictates, Mastru Kola has passed this mission to his eldest son. Yet now, he returns to Malta—the place where it all began—to once again bring joy to children.
Together with Doninu, this legacy will live again.
From Malta, With Love
From a small island, rich in compassion and humanity,
a tradition was born that continues to inspire the world.
This is not just a story.
This is a legacy of love.
Christmas 2026 Initiative – Doninu (Malta) International
This year, Doninu (Malta) International is proud to announce a special Christmas initiative that combines music, outreach, and community care.
To date, Pierre Calleja, acting as recording engineer and songwriter, has successfully written over 40 original Christmas songs, with a total of 35 songs already professionally recorded.
As part of this initiative, Doninu and Mastru Kola will be actively present across Malta during the Christmas season, bringing joy directly to the community.
Their outreach will include:
- Street visits across Maltese towns and villages, engaging with families and children
- Visits to hospitals, offering comfort and festive spirit to patients and staff
- Engagements in disability homes, promoting inclusion and happiness
- Visits to elderly care homes, ensuring that no one feels alone during the festive season
This initiative reflects the core values of Doninu (Malta) International—compassion, inclusion, and service to the most vulnerable members of society.
Through music, presence, and genuine human connection, this Christmas programme aims to spread hope, love, and unity throughout Malta.
