 In the tale of Saint Nicholas, the saint tossed coins through a window, and, in a later version of the tale, down a chimney when he finds the window locked.In Dutch artist Jan Steen's painting, "The Feast of Saint Nicholas", adults and toddlers are glancing up a chimney with amazement on their faces while other children play with their toys.The hearth was held sacred in primitive belief as a source of beneficence, and popular belief had elves and fairies bringing gifts to the house through this portal.