Saint Nicholas was born in the town of Patara in the region of Lycia. This was in Asia Minor. His parents were childless, and through their prayers the infant Nicholas from the very day of his birth revealed his light as a wonderworker. His mother, Nonna, after giving birth was immediately healed from her illness. From childhood he thrived on the study of Holy Scripture. Guess you can say Nicholas, by reading many books was making himself worthy of a dwelling place for God's Holy Spirit. He eventually became a priest.
There was a rich man in Patara who had three grown daughters. Out of desperation this man planned to sell their bodies so they would have some money for food. When St. Nick learned of the man's poverty and his unclean intention, he secretly visited him one night and threw a sack of money into the window. With this money the man arranged an honorable marriage for his daughter.
After a trip to the Holy Land, St. Nick decided to withdraw into the desert. Lo and behold, he was stopped by a divine voice urging him to return to his country. He went to Lycia, and desiring a life of quiet he entered a monastery. But that divine voice came again indicating another path for him. Nicholas knew there was another vineyard in which to bear fruit. He went to Myra in Lycia.
St. Nick was a great ascetic, always appearing to his flock as an image of gentleness, kindness and a general love for people. He sowed the word of truth, he uprooted heresy, he nourished his flock with sound doctrine, and also provided food for their bodies.
As we can see, we should bring his memory to the forefront around Christmas time, and yes, Saint Nicholas had a beard.
Ron