With the holiday season here, it is always fun to learn what different families do to celebrate and what traditions they create. With so many reasons to celebrate, I love to hear the different holidays and days that are honored this time of year.
One tradition my family does every year is to celebrate the Feast of St. Nicholas!
Feast of St. Nicholas
Every December 6th, my family celebrates the feast day of St. Nicholas. St. Nicholas is a beloved saint who lived in the 4th century. He is paid homage in the Eastern and Western Christian tradition and is the inspiration behind the modern-day Santa Claus.
Nicholas was born in 270 AD in Patra, a port town in what is now Turkey. He became the Bishop of Myra. His legacy grew as the devotion to his faith grew, while also providing selfless acts of kindness, especially toward children and those in need. One well-known story recounts how he provided money to three sisters in need by secretly tossing bags of gold coins through their window at night, which then prevented the sisters from being sold into slavery. His influence spread across Europe, and he became known as a protector of children, the poor and travelers.
St. Nicholas Tradtions
Special celebrations take place on December 6th each year to honor his feast day. In many countries (and in our home) our children leave their shoes out on the night before in hopes to be filled with treats the following morning. Traditional treats include chocolate coins, oranges (to resemble gold) and other small gifts. Items we like to give are hot chocolate with fun marshmallows, small stuffed animals, and a gingerbread house kit we can all do together.
Each year when December 6th arrives, my children always show excitement about St. Nicholas, obviously receiving gifts, but also learning what he did in his life to become the saint he is today.
What holiday traditions does your family celebrate?
