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Originally Posted by FillingMyQuiver  Does anyone have any ideas on how to incorporate St Nicholas Day w/out actually "doing" St Nick?? What I mean is, like for Santa, Santa doesn't bring gifts to our house. We talk about the history of Santa and who he was and all, but my kids know that present day Santa is pretend. How can I do the same for St Nick, but still observe the tradition of the activity?? Ideas?? Maybe explain that why put out the shoes and all but that mama and daddy fill them w/ the gifts?? Hmm....
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I think that's a good idea and basically what we'd do, I'd say.
We don't perpetuate the myth either that Santa/St. Nick comes bringing gifts. Our stockings are filled on St. Nicholas Day but we keep it very clear that it's Mom and Dad. It's about honoring the legacy of the generous saint. At first I was thinking of avoiding all mention of Santa, but now I think we'll talk about the modern day myth and how it developed from St. Nicholas and that it is some people's way of celebrating. I'm sure we'll read Christmas books that do involve Santa but just keep it clear that it's a made up story, just like many of the other books we read. Our kids are too young at this point to understand all of this, but we'll just keep talking about it year-by-year and they'll get it.
Does that help? Or even make sense?
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Originally Posted by KatelynsMomma I would LOVE to hear how you are celebrating the 12 days of xmas! I was thinking of doing this for our family as well!  |
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Originally Posted by Ms.QsMama i've always wanted to celebrate the twelve days of christmas! we never followed the church calendar growing up. i'm not catholic, but it's very important to me to connect with the history of my faith and to have it be an integral part of dd's church experience. i have very little idea what it looks like though! could you please share how you celebrate?
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Well, I'm not 100% sure exactly what we'll be doing. The thing for us is that Christmas STARTS on December 25 not ENDS like it does for many people-- or at least the retailers! Since Advent is a season of preparation, prayer, and penance we don't do much partying (St. Nicholas Day being an exception, but still low-key). Sooo...I'm thinking the 12 Days will be lots of family visits, special food, crafts, and activities (like going to Lights on the Lake). My DH should have most of that time off from work, so we can squeeze lots in (weather permitting!). My idea is to do something each day whether it's a craft, a trip, making a new treat, etc. I think some traditions involve a gift on each day, but we won't be doing that. We are going to give three small gifts on Epiphany to represent the three gifts of the Magi (gold, frankincense, and myrrh). Gold is something handmade (no idea WHAT yet!), frankincense is something religious in nature, and myrrh is for the body.
His gifts were age-appropriate.
I grew up in Syracuse. Went to Oswego all the time. One of my close friends lived there. Going up for the holidays though 
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