Celebrating the Season of Advent, Part 4: St. Nicholas

Early in the season of Advent--December 6th--the Church celebrates the feast of St. Nicholas.  Behind the modern day Santa Claus there is an actual person who is St. Nicholas of Myra.  He was a bishop in the Fourth Century in a region which is in present-day Turkey.  St. Nicholas attened the First Ecumenical Council which was held in Nicea in 325.  His final resting place in his cathedral was an important pilgrimage site.  Later his relics were taken to Bari, Italy where a church was built, and again, the site became a popular destination for pilgrims.

Although we do not have many details about his life, there are several stories associated with him that illustrate his generosity, his special love for children, and his concern for his neighbors.  One of those stories can be directly linked to his gift giving.  The story is that St. Nicholas helped a man provide dowries for his three daughters by anonymously leaving gifts which came from his own inheritance.  The gifts of gold balls were dropped through an open window which led to the tradition of leaving out a personal item such as a shoe in order to receive a gift from St. Nicholas.

Over the years, we have continued that tradition.  LG has put out her shoe on the evening of December 5th.  The next morning--St. Nicholas Day--we have had fun as she opened the gifts left by St. Nicholas.

For more information about St. Nicholas and how to celebrate his feast day, visit the St. Nicholas Center.