Each year our celebration of the feast of St. Nicholas looks a little different, but some things always stay the sameā¦ The children always wake up to their slippers or shoes filled with treats and receive new Christmas books! Last year we stayed home all day enjoying the snow (completely unaware that we would soon be without running water for six days due to freezing pipes!), this year the weather was much warmer and we spent most of the day enjoying activities outside of our home. Of course I have some pictures to share with you all!
.: Gifts from St. Nicholas :.
We have had a very full schedule this year which doesn’t leave much time for crafts. My children didn’t even notice that the coins weren’t decorated with images of St. Nicholas and they loved this year’s Blended Maple Candy St. Nick’s from Maple Grove Farms in Vermont and purchased at our local health food store!
Our oldest two boys still fit last year’s slippers, so instead of new slippers they were happy to be able to make a donation to a local charity. Our younger children were delighted to discover their new slippers and all the children loved discovering all the treats. In addition to the candy mentioned above they also received a cutie, Saint Blessing Blocks, a painted saint doll, and a new picture book. There was even a St. Anthony painted saint (a gift from Catholic Folk Toys) to remember the baby we would have been preparing to welcome (Jan 5th) this month or next…
This year’s picture books included A Christmas Carol, Shooting at the Stars, The Anne of Green Gables Christmas Treasury, A Christmas Like Helen’s, St. Francis Celebrates Christmas, The Christmas Rose, and Manger.
.: St. Nicholas Day Brunch :.
My boys had been asking me to come watch their Saturday morning Hockey games for a few weeks and I wasn’t able to go due to other commitments. With St. Nicholas Day falling on Saturday as well I told them I could go this week, as long as they didn’t mind skipping our usual brunch and have a simple breakfast. They didn’t mind at all and were so excited! And, even though I didn’t get many pictures, I ended up being able to throw together a couple Cherry Cheese Candy Cane Coffee Cakes while my husband scrambled eggs and cooked some maple sausage, before we all ran out the door after all!
.: Hockey :.
It was so much fun to watch them playā¦ and they won their game!
.: Victorian Christmas :.
After the hockey game we drove out to one of our favorite little historical towns in the area, where I used to own the local phone book! We visited many of the little shops including the toy store, enjoyed the popcorn and cider that was being handed out, toured the Catholic Rectory, went on a horse-draw wagon ride, and then shared a gourmet pizza before heading home!
The evening ended with a 7pm bilingual QuinceaƱera Mass and reception for one of my past Little Flowers! It was such a wonderful day filled with so many blessingsā¦
God, we pray that through the intercessions of St. Nicholas
you will guide and protect our children.
Keep them safe from all harm and help them grow
to become loving disciples of Jesus in your sight.
Give them strength to always mature into deeper faith
in you, and to keep alive joy in your creation.
Through Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen.
Love, love, love! Such a beautiful family, Jessica. Glad the day was so enjoyable. Merry Christmas, and God bless your sweet family….
2014-12-18 01:55:44
Thank you, Jessica! Merry Christmas and God bless your sweet family too! I'm so glad I got to meet you and all your beautiful children this year, even if it was for just a quick visit! š
2014-12-18 02:06:20
So pretty and fun! Love all your gifts! And you are human after all since you didn't have time to decorate your coins š I'm wondering how you get all your kids to stay still long enough to look at the camera all at the same time while they are looking at their gifts? LOL! š God bless your family and I will keep you in prayer as you remember your sweet baby who left this earth too soon!
2014-12-18 02:31:44
Yep, definitely human! Thank you so much for the prayers! I think when I was scheduling all the extra activities for this month I was subconsciously trying to keep myself extra busy since I've struggled so much following this miscarriageā¦ It's been fun, but I should have allowed a little time for sleep! š I can't believe that our "baby" turns three this weekā¦
2014-12-18 02:51:42
I'm sorry you are struggling. Happy birthday to your "baby"! š
2014-12-18 03:12:58
Rose looks like a candy cane! š love the maple st. nick's, yum! Also,,,oh, that Madonna statue….sigh. Lovely.
2014-12-18 05:25:59
Me too Jessica! Hopefully, there will be a second visit! We'd love to meet the rest of the family š
2014-12-18 06:20:50
Maple sugar Santas, I have to find them for next Christmas. I've never seen holiday candies out of maple sugar even though all our farms sell maple candy.
You did a beautiful job and it looks like it was a great day. I think sometimes its nice to take a little side trip from traditions. Praying for you, hang in there!
2014-12-18 13:24:20
Beautiful celebration! Thanks for sharing. Your family always inspires me —-God bless! You and your family are in my prayers this Advent.
2014-12-18 17:35:38
Sending a little prayer as you continue to recover from the miscarriage!
2014-12-19 17:03:09
What an amazing day! And the Madonna was only $950, you got it, right? š You know I am praying for you and sending you so much love.
2014-12-20 03:34:52
I cant find a way to order anything from maple grove farms!
2014-12-23 01:39:31