I know you are wondering what is so special about December 6th. Well, December 6th is the Feast Day of St. Nicholas. Saint Nicholas is the saint behind the legend of Santa Claus. Indeed, if you start looking into the origin of the Santa Claus legend, you’ll end up to a Christian bishop (or monk) who lived sometime around 280 A.D. in Patara, Turkey. However, he died in Myra, Turkey (now Dmere), and became known as St. Nicholas of Myrna.
Tales of St. Nicholas tells us that he was an exceptional man who used all of his inheritance to help the poor and sick. There are many stories about his good deeds over the course of his life, but the one that changed the world was the one that people kept sharing after his death. St. Nicholas’s reputation was so strong, that once he died, people started remembering him as the protector of children and sailors.
Over the course of many years, in many nations and languages, his story transformed into the legendary character of Santa Claus, without who we can’t imagine celebrating the Christmas holiday without. Aside from Santa Claus and Christmas, many nations actually observe St. Nicholas Day. It’s believed that St. Nicholas died on December 6, 343, which is the day when St. Nicholas Day is celebrated. The one idea that Saint Nicholas was to have taught us is the idea that it is better to give than receive just as Christ did. (Our Lord gave the ultimate giving of His Life for our sins.) That may be why this time of year is filled with lots of activities of helping those less fortunate and giving back to our family, church and community in various ways. This week I have included a couple of animated choices about St. Nicholas. One is entitled: Nicholas: The Boy Who Became Santa | The Saints and Heroes Collection. It is about a little over 20 minutes and is a more realistic historical view of him such as being put in jail by the Romans etc. The other is, Brother Francis: Advent Day 15, St. Nicholas. This is a shorter but charming, cuter look at Saint Nicholas. Both are designed for children. You know your child best as to what would fit for them. (Maybe the Saints and Heroes one could be a family watch so questions and discussion could take place.) The other video I have included is on celebrating Saint Nicholas Day with your children. It gives one Mom's perspective of what her family has done each year. Lastly, I have included a couple of coloring sheets of Saint Nicholas. Hopefully, this week you will find a way to celebrate Saint Nicholas and the idea of giving. May you have a great week and find some of God's blessings along the way.
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