A real-life bishop in what is now Turkey, Saint Nicholas earned his sainthood for numerous miracles, but his neighbors knew him best as a kind and generous man with a great fondness for children. Today, in many parts of the world Saint Nicholas delivers gifts on the eve of his Feast Day, December 6, and Christmas is reserved for the religious observance of Christ's birth.
The New York Historical Society held its first St. Nicholas anniversary dinner on December 6, 1810. John Pintard commissioned artist Alexander Anderson to create the first American image of Nicholas for the occasion. Nicholas was shown in a gift-giving role with children's treats in stockings hanging at a fireplace.
My children may not have many gifts to open this Christmas, and I am actually NOT sad about this in the LEAST bit. We are SO blessed!!! I have always known that Saint Nicholas was the real inspiration for the modern day Santa Claus, but I did NOT realize until this year that December 6th was the actual Feast Day.
Levi's godparents sent him a package to open--for today ONLY. So, I had to do my research. I love the idea!! AND I am going to try and come up with some things for next year....like planning a FEAST and having it as a CHRISTMAS party for friends. I love for things to have deeper meaning.
3 comments:
Hope the footies weren't too ginormous and you all enjoyed the dvd. We just watched Veggie Tales St. Nicholas. I don't know why I didn't get that one for the kids. It would have fit right in. Well, I probably thought you might have it already since it was from last year I believe.
:-)
You know me. I love "new" traditions and more stuff to celebrate! :-) Have fun with it!
(I think word verifications can be so interesting. The one for this is "ton fun ho". LOL)
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