My Favorite Christmas Tradition

There are hundreds of things I love about Christmas, hot chocolate, Christmas lights, old Christmas movies on TV, decorating the house... the whole shebang.  But I would have to say that my favorite Christmas tradition is St. Nick.

The tradition of St. Nick is celebrated in many different ways, (click here to read more about the holiday) but here is my version.  I grew up Catholic and to Catholics, St. Nicholas is the patron Saint of Bakers and Pawnbrokers??  Not sure why, but maybe it's because there are so many saints they ran out of general meanings for those who do good and give to the needy.  Anyway, the story goes that St. Nicholas was from a wealthy family and when his parents died he gave away his entire inheritance to needy families.  St. Nicholas did not want recognition for his good deeds, so he would secretly drop coin bags down the chimneys of the needy, the bags often landing in socks or shoes hanging by the fireplace to dry.  And so began the tradition of St. Nick.  On December 5th children all around the world hang up socks or put out shoes in hopes that St. Nicholas will leave them presents and treats in return.

Whether it's part of the tradition or not, my family goes a little further.  On the night of December 5th we write a letter to Santa explaining how we had been good that year and what things we were working on (being nice to siblings, listening to parents etc).  We also include our list of what we would like from Santa.  Our tradition goes that St. Nick fills our stockings and takes our Christmas letters to Santa's workshop... sort of like an elf or one of Santa's helpers.  Then St. Nick watches over our house from December 6th until Christmas making sure we are continuing to be good so Santa can come.

It's not the most detailed of traditions, but I always loved hearing about the story of St. Nick and how he gave to the needy.  I also liked writing letters to Santa every year and now looking back at the letters my mom kept.  childhood innocence is so sweet  :)  Happy St. Nicholas Day!