I hope you all had a wonderful St. Nicholas Day this year! Here are a few pictures from our celebration. If you’d like to share your own pictures, head on over to Catholic Cuisine for a
St. Nicholas Day link-up!
~ Gifts from St. Nicholas ~
As always, our children also received a New Christmas Picture Book, along with their yearly “note from St. Nicholas” telling them what they need to work on between now and Christmas.
*Note: When we started this little family tradition years ago, with our oldest boys, it wasn’t that big of a deal… Now its a LOT more work, and I really have to watch for sales to keep it from getting way too expensive! :/
~ St. Nicholas Day Brunch ~
Usually I make our
Candy Cane Coffee Cake the night before, but I didn’t realize until I was in the middle of making it at 11:30 pm, that we were completely out of eggs! Thankfully St. Nick delivered some, along with a box of donuts, before I got out of bed in the morning. While I finished up the coffee cake the kids listened to their Daddy read
The Miracle of St. Nicholas and
A Gift from St. Nicholas.
On the Menu:
(The kids all saved their candies to enjoy later, once they are completely over their coughs!)
Nicholas is the great patron of children and of Christmas giving. The word “Santa Claus” is a short form of “St. Nicholas.” He was born in Asia Minor, and after his parents died, he gave all his money to charity. Once a certain poor man was about to abandon his daughters to a life of sin because they did not have the money for a dowry. St. Nicholas heard about his problem, so at night, he threw a bag of gold in the man’s window. This was for the oldest daughter. He did the same thing for the second daughter, and the grateful father kept watch to find out who was being so good to him. When St. Nicholas came a third time, the man recognized him and thanked him over and over again.
Later St. Nicholas became Bishop. He had great love for justice, and once he saved three men who had been falsely condemed to death. He then turned to their accuser and made him admit that he had been offered money to get rid of these three men.
St. Nicholas died in Myra, and a great basilica was built over his tomb. Many churches were dedicated in his name, and when his relics were brought to Bari in Italy, this city became a favorite shrine for pilgrims from all over Europe. He is also the patron of sailors, of prisoners, and with St. Andrew, the Patron of Russia.
To enter Heaven we must keep our soul without sin, or have it washed clean again by sorrow and confession.
St. Nicholas of Myra,
Pray for Us!
Prayer of Mothers
Father in heaven, grant me the grace to appreciate the dignity which you have conferred on me. Let me realize that not even the Angels have been blessed with such a privilege—to share in your creative miracle and bring new Saints to heaven. Make me a good mother to all my children after the example of Mary, the Mother of your Son. Through the intercession of Jesus and Mary I ask your continued blessings on my family. Let us all be dedicated to your service on earth and attain the eternal happiness of your kingdom in heaven. Amen.
Jessica, what a wonderful celebration. I am going to link up as soon as I find time to create a post.
How beautiful. I know what you mean about trying to find specials, we also buy books and multiplied by 9 does add up. Still a way to slowly build up our library.
Beautiful! One of these years I'll remember to make those darling St. Nicholas chocolates. Yours and Charlotte's are so cute!
How fun, and so wonderful your husband could be there to celebrate! When it falls on a weekday, mine has to run out the door right after the kids discover their shoes, ha ha. And the pecan coffee sounds delicious!
I used your St. Nicholas coin images again this year – thanks again for making them available!