St. Nicholas Day

Short Introduction to St. Nicholas Day (for kids)

Introduction to St. Nicholas Day

St. Nicholas Day reminds us of Nicholas of Myra, a bishop who lived many hundreds of years ago. Nicholas was known for doing good in secret: he brought food to poor families, helped children in need, and showed people how much God loved them.

Because Nicholas often gave his gifts quietly, without wanting praise, people have told his stories ever since. That’s why many children put a clean boot or shoe outside their door on the evening of December 5th and find a small surprise in it the next morning.
St. Nicholas Day wants to remind us how much joy it brings when we share, help, and are kind – just like Nicholas did.

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Story: The Kind Bishop Nicholas

The Kind Bishop Nicholas – A Story for Children

In a small town by the sea, surrounded by white houses and narrow streets, there lived a man named Nicholas.
The children in the town always waved at him when he walked by, because Nicholas had a friendly smile and warm eyes.

He was a bishop, and that meant he cared for many people. He visited the sick, prayed with them, brought food to the poor, and everywhere he went he told people about Jesus – about how much God loved each and every person.

One day Nicholas heard about a family with great worries. The father had become very poor and did not know how to help his three daughters. It was winter, the firewood was running out, and the bread was hardly enough for everyone. The girls were brave, but they noticed that their father almost never slept at night.

Quietly Nicholas prayed, “Lord, show me how I can help.”
And God gave him just the right idea.

On a still, cold night, Nicholas took a small bag full of gold coins. He put on his warm cloak and walked carefully through the dark streets. The wind was blowing, and the stars were shining brightly in the sky.

When he reached the poor family’s house, Nicholas gently opened a window – just a tiny bit, so no one would hear. Then he let the bag of gold drop inside. There was a soft thump, and Nicholas quickly slipped back into the night, because he did not want to be recognized.

The next morning something wonderful happened.
The oldest daughter found the bag and shouted,
“Papa! Look! Someone has helped us!”

The father held the gold in his hands and did not know what to say. His eyes grew warm and wet.
“Children,” he said softly, “God has not forgotten us.”

No one knew who had brought the gift.
But Nicholas was happy – he had helped in secret, out of love, without wanting any thanks.

And because he kept acting like this – quietly, kindly, ready to help – people remembered him many years later. They told his stories again and again, until St. Nicholas Day became a special day, the day we still celebrate today.

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Questions for Reflection (for kids)

Questions to Think About

• Why did Nicholas help the poor family in secret?
• How do you think the daughters felt when they found the gift?
• Do you know someone you could secretly do something kind for?
• How can you help others – maybe even without getting anything in return?

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Message of the Story

Message of the Story

True love shows itself when we share, help, and are kind – especially when nobody is watching.
Nicholas did good because he knew:

When we help others, we bring God’s light into their hearts.

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6. St. Nicholas of Myra – Detailed Overview (for adults)

Origin and Life

Nicholas was born around the year 270 AD in the city of Patara in Lycia (in today’s southwestern Turkey). He came from a wealthy Christian family. His parents died when he was still young, and he inherited their wealth – but instead of keeping it for himself, he chose to use it to help the poor and those in need.

Traditionally, his death is dated to December 6th, around the year 343 AD, in the city of Myra (today: Demre).
Historically, only a few facts about his life are secure; many stories about Nicholas are shaped by later legend and pious imagination. Still, they reflect how strongly people experienced him as a man of faith and charity.

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Ministry as Bishop of Myra

Nicholas became Bishop of Myra. In this role he acted as a shepherd for his people: he cared for the poor, fought against injustice, and strengthened believers in their faith.

One well-known story tells of a great famine in the region. When a ship full of grain arrived in the harbor, Nicholas asked the sailors to share some of it with the hungry people. At first they were afraid, because the grain was carefully measured for the emperor. But according to the legend, after they gave some away, the amount on board was still the same – and the people of Myra had enough to eat.

Later traditions also say that Nicholas took part in the Council of Nicaea (325 AD), where the church discussed the divinity of Christ. Historically this cannot be proven with certainty, but it shows how strongly he was linked in memory with the defense of the Christian faith.

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Famous Legends and Miracles

1. The Gold for Three Poor Daughters
   A poor man had three daughters and no money for their dowries. Without help, they faced a hopeless future. Nicholas, hearing of their need, secretly threw bags of gold into their house at night – according to some versions, through the window or down the chimney. This allowed the daughters to marry and escape poverty. This story is the root of Nicholas as a secret gift-giver.
2. Saving Sailors in a Storm
   In another tradition, sailors in a violent storm prayed for help. Nicholas appeared to them, calmed the sea, and brought them safely to harbor. Because of this, he became known as the patron saint of sailors and travelers.
3. The Children and the Butcher
   A later medieval legend tells of three children who were killed by an innkeeper or butcher. Nicholas discovered the crime and, through prayer, brought the children back to life. Historically this is very doubtful, but the story expresses how strongly people believed Nicholas to be a protector of children.

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Veneration, Relics, and Patronage

Nicholas is venerated as the patron of children, sailors, merchants, prisoners, the poor, and many cities and countries.
His original tomb was in Myra. In 1087, sailors from Bari (Italy) brought most of his relics to their city. This transfer made Bari an important pilgrimage site and helped spread Nicholas’ veneration throughout Western Europe.

In Christian art, Nicholas is usually shown as a bishop: with mitre, crozier (bishop’s staff), sometimes with three gold balls or bags of gold (for the daughters), with a ship, or with children at his side.

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Customs and Celebration of St. Nicholas Day

St. Nicholas Day is celebrated every year on December 6th. In many European countries, children clean a boot or shoe and place it outside their door on the evening of December 5th, hoping that Nicholas will fill it with sweets, nuts, or small gifts.

In some cultures, Nicholas appears in person, often wearing bishop’s robes, reading from a “book of deeds”, praising good behavior and encouraging children. In parts of Central Europe he is occasionally accompanied by a darker figure (Krampus, Knecht Ruprecht), who is meant to warn against disobedience – a tradition that should be handled carefully with children.

In the Netherlands, he appears as Sinterklaas, arriving by ship and celebrated with special customs. In many Eastern Orthodox traditions, large processions and liturgies honor him as a miracle-working bishop. Over time, some elements of Nicholas’ story influenced the later figure of Santa Claus, especially in the United States, although Santa is much more secularized.

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Meaning for Adults Today

For adults, Nicholas carries several layers of meaning:

• Example of Christian charity:
  He shows how generous giving, especially in secret, can transform lives – and that gifts are not about showing off, but about love.
• Link to the early church:
  As a bishop of the 4th century, he connects us with the early Christian community, their struggles, and their commitment to justice and mercy.
• Bridge between church and culture:
  The Nicholas traditions survived through many centuries, even during times of secularization. They form a bridge between Christian faith and popular customs around giving and caring for others.
• Impulse for family and community life:
  St. Nicholas Day is a chance for families, churches, and communities to strengthen bonds, create memories, and remind themselves of their responsibility to those in need.

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7. St. Nicholas in Children’s Ministry – Theological & Educational Reflections (English Version)

1. Why use St. Nicholas in children’s ministry at all?

Nicholas is not a fairy tale character, but a real figure from the early church, even if many stories about him are legendary. He brings together:

• Christian theology – love of neighbor, mercy, following Jesus
• Educational practice – role model, empathy, sharing

Children need concrete examples of what a lived faith looks like. Nicholas is exactly such an example:
A man who loved Jesus – and therefore helped others.

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2. Theological key ideas for working with Nicholas

(a) Love of neighbor as following Jesus

Nicholas did not act out of vague kindness, but because he wanted to follow Jesus. For children you can put it like this:

• Jesus loves people.
• Whoever loves Jesus wants to show love to others.
• Nicholas did exactly that.

Fitting Bible texts:

• Matthew 6:3 – giving in secret
• Matthew 5:14 – “You are the light of the world”
• Matthew 25:40 – “Whatever you did for one of the least of these…”

(b) Anonymity and humility

Many children grow up in a world where performance and recognition are very important. Nicholas shows another way: helping without expecting praise.
That connects with the biblical value of humility as a fruit of the Spirit.

(c) Making God’s care visible

Nicholas helps because he loves God. But at the same time, he shows that God works through people.
Children can learn to say:

“I can be someone through whom God blesses others.”

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3. Educational focuses in children’s ministry

(a) Strengthening children through role models

Children need figures they can look up to – real people who acted well. Nicholas offers:

• courage
• empathy
• a sense of responsibility
• joy in faith

Theology becomes concrete, not just abstract.

(b) Not preaching morality – but making it experienceable

Instead of saying “You must share!”, it is better to let children experience how beautiful sharing can be.

Example activities:

• Each child brings one thing for a “St. Nicholas sharing basket”.
• The group makes cards and gives them to elderly people.
• The children think about: “Who could I secretly surprise with something kind?”

(c) Creating emotional connection

Children feel strongly. The Nicholas story is perfect to awaken compassion, wonder, and joy.
With warm storytelling, the message reaches the heart, not just the head.

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4. The theological core children should remember

Nicholas is not a replacement for Jesus.
He is an example of how a person can pass on Jesus’ love.

Child-friendly core sentence:

“Nicholas helped people because Jesus loved him first.”

That keeps the gospel in the center.

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5. Practical ideas for a Nicholas children’s service

1. Warm storytelling
   In simple past tense, with clear images and short explanations. For example, the story of the three daughters.
2. Participation moment
   • “How could we make someone happy today?”
   • Children draw something for another group.
   • Small “secret helper” task for each child.
3. Conversation questions
   • “When have you helped someone?”
   • “How does it feel when someone helps you?”
   • “Why is it good to share?”
4. Small ritual
   Each child lights an LED candle and says: “Today I want to be a light for …”

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6. What should be avoided?

• Turning Nicholas into a magical figure or powerful wizard
• Using fear figures (like Krampus) in church settings
• Putting Nicholas “above” Jesus
• Creating pressure: “You must share, otherwise…”
• Focusing only on “What do I get?” (consumer mindset)

The message should be joy and love, not fear or performance.

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8. Craft Ideas (translated)

⭐ 1. Gold Pouch Craft – “Nicholas Helps in Secret”

Theme: The three bags of gold for the poor daughters

Materials:

• small fabric pouch or paper bag
• chocolate gold coins or yellow construction paper
• red ribbon
• stickers or small hearts

Instructions:

1. Children fill the little pouch with “gold coins”.
2. They decorate it with stickers or hearts.
3. Each child decides who they want to secretly bless: parents, siblings, neighbors.
4. The pouch is given anonymously – just like Nicholas did.

Learning effect:
Sharing without being seen – echoing Matthew 6:3.

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⭐ 2. Paper Bishop’s Staff

Theme: The bishop’s staff as a sign of care

Materials:

• sturdy cardboard
• gold paint or yellow paper
• glue
• scissors
• optional: glitter

Instructions:

1. Cut out a long staff with a curled top.
2. Children paint or cover the staff in gold.
3. Add glitter if desired.

Learning effect:
The staff stands for the shepherd who protects and cares for people.

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⭐ 3. St. Nicholas Stocking / Boot

Theme: The boot at the door

Materials:

• red and white construction paper
• glue
• string or ribbon
• cotton wool for the cuff

Instructions:

1. Cut out a large boot shape.
2. Glue cotton wool along the top edge.
3. Write the child’s name on it.
4. Hang it up – for example in the group room.

Learning effect:
Symbol of expectation, hope, and joy.

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⭐ 4. “Light in the Night” Lantern

Theme: Nicholas brings light into dark times

Materials:

• empty jam jar
• tissue paper (red, yellow, orange)
• LED tea light
• paste/glue
• paintbrush

Instructions:

1. Tear tissue paper into small pieces.
2. Brush the jar with glue and stick the pieces on.
3. Put the LED tea light inside – done!

Learning effect:
Jesus is the light of the world – Nicholas passes on His light.