Liturgical Living: Saint Nick's Day

Dec. 6, Feast of St. Nicholas, bishop of Myra, giver of gifts, protector of children; he is patron against imprisonment, robberies, and robbers; apothecaries; bakers; barrel makers; boatmen; boot blacks; boys; brewers; brides; captives; children; coopers; dock workers; druggists; fishermen; grooms; judges; lawsuits lost unjustly; maidens; mariners; merchants; murderers; newlyweds; old maids; parish clerks; pawnbrokers; perfumeries and perfumers; pharmacists; pilgrims; poor people; prisoners; scholars; shoe shiners; spinsters; students; thieves; and travelers.  I like the image of jolly old St. Nick as protector of thieves and puncher of heretics.

illustration by Elisabeth Ivanovsky // source

Happy Saint Nicholas Day!  We found candy in our shoes this morning, and picture book adaptation of the story of the three poor sisters and the saint.  We made Christmas cards for wounded heroes with friends, and topped the evening by walking downtown to watch the Christmas parade.

I've a myriad of thoughts about Saint Nicholas, Santa Claus, and Father Christmas . . . but it will have to wait until tomorrow because we. are. tired.  So please come back around then.  Our family is still young and our holiday traditions still malleable, and I'd like to hear your thoughts and feedback.

Hope your feast day celebrations and observations were fruitful and jolly!