St. Nicholas Day

St. Nicholas Day

from Mrs. Sharp's Traditions

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For many Victorian families, as well as families today in Holland, Germany, and England, the Christmas season really begins with a visit from Saint Nicholas on his birthday, December 6. This old-fashioned tradition can start setting the mood for a wonderful holiday season for your family.

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Nicholas, the Bishop of Myra in Asia Minor, was said to have lived around A.D. 325. He was well loved for his compassion and generosity, mysteriously providing food, warm clothing, and even bags of gold for the needy. Legend has it that Saint Nicholas, riding his white horse down from heavan, pay nocturnal visits to children on the eve of his birthday to prepare their hearts for the coming of the Christ Child.

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For parents who feel frustrated by the fact Santa Claus's visit inevitably overshadows their religious observance of the birth of Christ, a visit from Saint Nicholas can help tremendously. For modern children who no longer belive in Santa Claus (and to Mrs. Sharp's dismay, it seems they get younger with each passing Christmas), a celebration of St. Nicholas Day can satisfy a deep desire in children to belive in a benevolent and generous gift giver who rewards the good.

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Beforethey go to bed, Mrs. Sharp's children place their shoes, filled with hay or a carrot for the saint's horse, beside the fireplace or front door, along with a beverage (traditionally a glass of schnapps) for his servant, Ruprecht, who carries the satchel of sweets and novelties for good children and switches for the bad.

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When the children awaken the next morning, they discover delicious seasonal cakes (lebkuchen, a German honey cake, or a piece of iced gingerbread), a small mesh bag of gold-foil-covered chocolate coins, and one longed-for gift from each child's wish list.

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Mrs. Sharp's children have been taught that it is Saint Nicholas who inspires us to prepare our Christmas gifts for others, for custom has it that he knows what each family member truly desires and so he puts ideas into our heads.

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Saint Nicholas's visit provides our family with just enough foretaste of Christmas to make the waitin pleasurable, and it enables us to look outside ourselves to the holiday needs of others. We can never out grow the magic of a visit from Saint Nicholas. Invite him into your homes this year and see for yourself.

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