St Nicholas day, the 
 St. Nikolaus Holy card, Germany, 1932 St Nicholas Center Collection |
The real St. Nicholas is so much more than the familiar secular holiday symbol of Santa Claus. Churches are uniquely placed to reclaim "one of their own" through enthusiastic implementation of the customs and traditions which surround St. Nicholas. His stories, as lover of the poor and patron saint of children, complement the central message of the birth of Jesus by leading people to look beyond their own wants and desires. Presenting St. Nicholas as the Christian saint he is, provides a corrective to an over-emphasis on the acquisitive, materialistic aspects of Christmas celebration. Celebrating St. Nicholas Day is appropriate in any church as it brings together young and old in a happy focus on this incredible saint. It is also a superb opportunity to reach out to those who do not attend any church.
Here are ways churches weave St. Nicholas into their Advent practice. Perhaps one or more will be just right for your church—
Ideas from Churches
 St Nicholas: of the East and the West Basilica Saint-Nicolas-de-Port Photo: Saint Nicholas Society/JMR |
St. Nicholas Day Worship
St. Nicholas Day Events
St. Nicholas Events At Other Times
Other Ways To Highlight St. Nicholas
St. Nicholas and Community Outreach
Youth Groups
Study Guides
Other Resources
St. Nicholas Celebration
Comprehensive event with activity stations, stories, games, & worship for church, diocese, or other group
St. Nicholas Liturgical Resources
HYMNS • ORDERS OF WORSHIP • PRAYERS • SERMONS
Publicity materials for St. Nicholas Events
Files to customize for posters, flyers, & door hangers
Articles for Churches
Ideas for parish events, children's sermons, and an adult discussion guide
Resources For Celebrating St. Nicholas
ACTIVITIES • BOOKS • ARTICLES • CLIP ART • COSTUME HELPS • CRAFTS • HANDOUT • MUSIC • PLAYS & SCRIPTS • RECIPES • STORIES & POEMS • ESPECIALLY FOR TEACHERS
Simple St. Nicholas Visit: Guide
Special Treat Bags for a St. Nicholas Event
St. Nicholas Display & Activity Room
An easy, inexpensive way to introduce children & adults to St. Nicholas
St. Nicholas Celebration: Planning Guide
Interactive St. Nicholas Storytelling
Advent Quiet Day with an accent on St. Nicholas
How to Celebrate a St Nicholas Festival in the UK
Suggestions from the St Nicholas Society/UK
Video: St. Nicholas Tradition: why is it important?"
Kim Lawton, of PBS' Religion & Ethics Weekly, talks with Canon Jim Rosenthal about bringing St. Nicholas back into churches
 Click above image for video from Episcopal News Service Used by permission |
