Honoring Saint Nicholas - Patron Saint of Children

Today is the Feast of Saint Nicholas of Myra, from the maritime city of Patara in Anatolia (in modern-day Antalya Province, Turkey) during the time of the Roman Empire. He is also known as Saint Nicholas of Bari, as his shrine is located in Bari, Italy.

He was a Greek Bishop who preached the Gospels of Jesus Christ, mostly through Asia Minor.

He is venerated in many Christian religions due to his good works and charitable deeds, with the ill, the disabled and especially children.

But all people, of all faiths, are welcomed to honor him. And do, because all people have children and want to teach them his most sacred trait: Charity.

Traditionally, in the Portuguese city of Guimaraes, the Nicolinas, a series of festivities in honor of Saint Nicholas happen every year.

In Poland and Ukraine, children wait for St Nicholas to come and to put a present under their pillows, provided that the children were good during the year. Children who behaved badly may expect to find a twig or a lump of coal under their pillows 

In the Netherlands and Belgium, children put out a shoe filled with hay and a carrot for Saint Nicholas' horse.

Also in the Netherlands, he is known as Sinterklaas, which has been translated to Santa Claus in English.

So, this special day for this special man is celebrated today and all through December. Of course, it culminates on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, when Santa shows up to give gifts, toys, etc, to kids and adults alike. We pay homage to this Patron Saint of Children by emulating his acts.

So, Happy Saint Nicolas Day, everyone! And keep his works close to your heart, today, all month and throughout the year.

And remember: it is always better for us to give than to receive. St Nicholas showed us this almost two millenia ago.