St. Nicholas Day is a hidden gem in the holiday season.
This popular Catholic feast day teaches kids the joys of giving. Better yet, it’s got festive family traditions too.
If you’re new to celebrating St. Nicholas Day, here are three reasons why it’s a great day to celebrate as a Catholic family. Plus you’ll find gift ideas that make it easy for you!
You’re teaching the Faith.
Teaching kids about the saints works best when it's fun and memorable. The night before Dec. 6, have your kids line their shoes up by the front door. After everyone’s asleep, put a little gift in each shoe. Nothing fancy, just something simple and fun. Here are Catholic gift ideas!
The shoe tradition is based on the fascinating stories about St. Nicholas himself. He was a bishop known for being super generous. Once, he secretly slipped bags of money into the home of a poor man and his daughters. Read more about him here.
(Legend has it he punched the heretic Arius in the face, but that's a story for when the kids get older.)
Your kids connect it with giving.
Because St. Nicholas was known for his generosity, his feast day isn’t just about receiving gifts. It’s about giving, too.
As your kids anticipate the visit from St. Nicholas, you can teach them the joy of sharing with others. Encourage acts of kindness like sharing their toy with their brother or sister, or donating to a local charity.
You can even start a family tradition where you perform a generous act in honor of St. Nicholas Day. The spirit of giving will bring you closer together.
You bond as a family.
Family traditions are a huge part of being Catholic and holding onto your faith.
Celebrating St. Nicholas Day as a family gives your kids memories to keep as they grow up. Think about it: how cool is it to wake up and find a surprise gift in your shoes?
And since it falls at the beginning of Advent, it’s a good way to keep your family grounded in your Catholic faith while the holiday frenzy ramps up.
We’d love to help you celebrate St. Nicholas Day and bring faith, generosity and this great family tradition into your home!
