It’s the first week of Advent! And I have never been this excited for the impending Christmas season in all of my adulthood. My “to-do” list is lengthy, but, I’m not overwhelmed, I’m overjoyed. What a magnificent blessing to be able to co-chair the Santa Shop once again at the children’s school, to attend Toledo Ballet’s 81st Nutcracker LIVE in-person, and ALL 10 of The Magical Events to Attend with the Kids this Christmas in Toledo. And I can’t forget one of the oldest traditions passed down from generation to generation, St. Nicholas Day! Well, St. Nicholas Eve…when the kiddos sit out their shoes in hopes that St. Nicholas will arrive while they sleep. Not familiar with the Feast of St. Nicholas?
Who was St. Nicholas?
The real St. Nicholas lived a long time ago in a place called Asia Minor. It is now the country of Turkey. His family was Greek and his name was Nicholas.
Nicholas’ parents died when he was a teenager. They left him a lot of money which made him a rich young man. Nicholas went to live with his uncle who was a priest.
Nicholas heard about a man who had lost all his money. He had three daughters who were old enough to get married. But in those days young women had to have money in order to get married. This money was a “dowry” and it was used to help the new family get started. If you didn’t have dowry money, you didn’t get married. READ MORE
Our St. Nicholas Eve Tradition…
On the Eve of St. Nicholas Day (Dec. 5th) the kiddos all sit their shoes outside their bedrooms before they go to bed and in the morning they rush over to see what St. Nicholas had left. Often finding the classics, candy canes, cuties, oranges, apples, and a special ornament for the Christmas Tree that we cut down on St. Nicholas Day.
10 Fun St. Nicholas Day activities…
Click here for puzzles to print off for your children.
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St. Nicholas Chocolate Coin Printable
St. Nicholas Day Spice Cookies
St. Nicholas Day Blessing of Candy Canes
Does your family celebrate St. Nicholas Day? Do you have a unique tradition or perhaps one you hope to start this year?
Mom on the go in Holy Toledo 