It’s Almost Christmas

Today is the feast of St Nicholas, the kindly and generous saint who preceded the modern day Santa Claus.

Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Myra
Saint Nicholas was the Bishop of Myra in the 4th century and has been a much beloved saint for centuries. He was recognized as a miracle worker by Greeks, Italians, the Dutch and Ukrainians though he has never been canonized. His reputation as “The Wonder Worker” grew out of his generosity to those in need. Many miracles have been attributed to him by those who adopted him as their patron saint or prayed for his intercession. His feast day is December 6th and is celebrated in European and Scandinavian nations. Relics of Saint Nicholas lie in Bari, Italy where he is venerated in an ornate cathedral named in his honor.

Tradition of Giving Continues

• In Bari, the tradition of giving coins to a young bride embarking upon her married life is celebrated in honor of Santa Nicola on December 6th. In other European countries, festivals are held marking the occasion.
• Even in the tiny town of Beit Jala in the West Bank, Saint Nicholas is honored for the four year-pilgrimage he spent there.
• In Germany, children place a boot outside their door in the hopes that Saint Nicholas will fill the boot with gifts. A similar tradition takes place in Hungary and Romania.
• In the Belgian and Dutch vernacular, Saint Nicholas is referred to as “SinterKlaus,” which eventually became “Santa Claus,” the most popular of his aliases.

Cherished modern traditions include reading A Visit from St. Nicholas as a family, writing letters telling Santa listing the presents a child want to get, and leaving milk and a plate of cookies in hopes that Santa will be more generous with his gifts. However, children should be taught that the true message of Santa Claus is “giving,” not just receiving of gifts. Some families honor this with a very special tradition of giving a few coins they’ve saved to the poor and needy.

No matter which alias Saint Nicholas is identified by, St. Nick, Santa Claus, or the Wonder Worker, the message of Saint Nicholas is universal: to give is better than to receive. In times of self-indulgence, materialism and greed, his generosity shines like a beacon of inspiration the world over.