My kids do believe in Santa but I don’t like to emphasize him in the secular sense. I try to put more of a emphasis that Santa is Saint Nicholas. One way I do this is by celebrating Saint Nicholas’ feast day. Saint Nicholas’ feast day is a very fun day here in our home. Here are some of the things we do to make the feast day of Saint Nicholas special.
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Books
Bake Cookies
Make Saint Nicholas cookies, like the ones from The Baker’s Dozen. This here is my favorite gingerbread cookie recipe.
Crafts
– St. Nicholas figures (great to put on a empty toilet paper roll or make an ornament)
– paint Saint Nicholas peg dolls
– Catholic Icings has a lot of craft ideas
Gifts from Saint Nicholas
The night before, we have our children leave their shoes under the tree. Saint Nicholas visits during the night and leaves treats from them to discover in the morning! These treats are typically only small items, chocolate coins and under $10.
Great Saint Nicholas gifts are:
– candy
– or any small toy
God of joy and cheer,
we thank you for your servant,
the good bishop Nicholas.
In loving the poor,
he showed us your kindness;
in caring for your children,
he revealed your love.
Make us thoughtful
without need of reward
so that we, too, may be good followers of Jesus.
image from Theophilia
Do you have any special Saint Nicholas day traditions, if so comment below. I would love to hear how others celebrate! You can find more fun things to do at St. Nicholas Center.
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