St. Nicholas Day

December 6 is St. Nicholas Day, a feast day in celebration of the Saint and Bishop of Myra in the 3rd century AD. There are many stories around the person of St. Nicholas, but he is remembered for his generosity, and for protecting those in need all around him, especially children. It’s easy to see how the very real person of St. Nicholas eventually developed into the modern, and more celebrated, Santa Claus.

During Advent, Saint Nicholas Day is a welcome opportunity to reflect on the character of Saint Nicholas, and how we too can be more Christ-like in our love of those in need. While gifts are indeed shared on Saint Nicholas Day, the true focus is outward and giving to those in need. We are encouraged to minister to those in our own community, during Advent as a whole and St. Nicholas Day specifically.

Just as there are many stories about Saint Nicholas, so are there many customs and traditions from all around the world.

On St. Nicholas Eve, shoes are left outside the bedroom or at the fireplace, with hay or carrots for the donkey, and a cookie for St. Nicholas. In the morning, small gifts are found – an orange or tangerine, some chocolate, a candy cane, a small toy. A scroll is left with the gifts, containing thoughtful words from St. Nicholas reflecting on each person’s character, praising their successes and offering words of encouragement for areas of weakness. This can either be individual scrolls or a shared family scroll that is read aloud.

Special baskets of goodies are often prepared and secretly dropped off at neighbor’s and stranger’s houses on St. Nicholas Eve.

Saint Nicholas Day is also traditionally a day of feasting! Recipes from around the world include:

Slavski Bread

St. Nicholas Buns

Bishop’s Wine

And MOST importantly Speculaas Cookies!

Because Saint Nicholas Day is fixed, where it lands during the season of Advent changes every year. You can use the following prayers during your Advent liturgy in addition to or in place of the Gathering, Prayers of the People or the Benediction.

Gathering

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 children, he revealed your love. Make us thoughtful without need of reward so that we, too, may be good followers of Jesus.

Prayers of the People

Almighty God,
who in your love gave to your servant Nicholas of Myra
a perpetual name for deeds of kindness on land and sea:
Grant, we pray,
that your Church may never cease to
work for the happiness of children,
the relief of the poor,
and the help of those tossed by tempests of doubt or grief;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

There are many excellent collections of stories, resources, songs, recipes, and more over at the https://www.stnicholascenter.org/.