Make Sure You Celebrate Christmas AND St. Nicholas Day This December
What Exactly is St. Nicholas Day?
This December in addition to your usual Christmas day festivities, why not celebrate St. Nicholas Day too? A St. Nicholas Day celebration can be a great way to brighten up December and get in the spirit of the Christmas season. But what exactly is St. Nicholas Day and why should you celebrate it? Read on to find out!
Who Is St. Nicholas?
St. Nicholas was born in the third century in Turkey. Nicholas came from a wealthy family, and following the death of his parents, he used his inheritance to help the less fortunate. During young adulthood, Nicholas became Bishop of Myra. The anniversary of his death, December 6, later became known as St. Nicholas Day. Out of the stories that were passed down to new generations, the modern day legend of Santa Clause evolved. Even though the Roman Catholic Church did remove forty saints during the 1960s, St. Nicholas remained, and is still recognized as, a saint.
How to Celebrate St. Nicholas Day
Your celebration on St. Nicholas Day can be as elaborate or as simple as you wish. Most people who celebrate St. Nicholas Day simply exchange small Christmas presents. Just wrap up a present that you bought for Christmas and exchange one present early on St. Nicholas Day in anticipation of Christmas. You can also celebrate with a special dinner too. Celebrating St. Nicholas Day is a great idea as a way to commemorate his life’s work and devotion to the sick and needy.
The Man Behind The Legend
St. Nicholas is actually the person who inspired the later mythological character Sinterklaas, who we now know as Santa Clause. It’s an interesting coincidence that Christmas and St. Nicholas Day fall during the same month.
If you’ve never celebrated St. Nicholas Day before, considering planning a small celebration this Christmas. If you enjoy celebrating St. Nicholas Day this year, you can plan a similar celebration next year.