If you want to know the history of the real Santa Claus, go to http://www.stnicholascenter.org/Brix?pageID=23. St. Nicholas is a much loved saint of the Christian church. It is a shame that his life and faith have been corrupted in to the commercial Santa Claus we have in North America today. It would be wonderful if the Church reclaimed this day and all that St. Nicholas stood for. The web site will give you everything you need to do that in your own life and family.

We celebrated this day every year with our children. We would read to them about St. Nicholas’ life. They would put out their shoes on the night of December 5th. In the morning, they would find a small Christmas tree in their room for them to decorate and a bit of chocolate in their shoes along with a fun pair of Christmas socks or earrings.  It was a fun way for them to learn more about the life of someone who helped many people often in secret as well as adding another good family tradition.