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St. Nicholas, the real person behind the figure of Santa Claus, was a fourth-century bishop who was known for his generosity, especially to young people.
On the eve of his feast day, children around the world customarily leave their shoes out in hopes that the kindly bishop (assisted by loving parents!) will pass by and fill them with good things. A mother in the U.S. shared this story:
Our family enjoys celebrating the Feast of St. Nicholas. The evening before the feast, the children leave their shoes outside their bedroom doors, eager to discover what candy and trinkets St. Nicholas will leave while they are sleeping.
Last year, however, our observance extended beyond our home. Our kids invited their friends to see what St. Nicholas had brought them, prompting one mother to ask me, “What’s the deal with St. Nicholas’ Day?” I briefly explained our tradition, adding that we use it to encourage and reward good behavior. She decided that St. Nicholas would…
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