The real St. Nicholas is a man who loved God and who lived a long time ago. . . .

This is an opportunity to talk about who St. Nicholas was and how he served God by caring for those in need. Because Nicholas always wanted people to praise and thank God, not him, he did good deeds in secret.

Santa Claus is round and plump; St. Nicholas is tall and thin.

Santa Claus wears a stocking cap; St. Nicholas wears a bishop's hat.

Santa Claus comes December 25th; St. Nicholas comes December 6th.

Santa Claus is often seen in stores; St. Nicholas is often seen in churches.

Santa Claus flies through the air—from the North Pole;St. Nicholas walked the earth, caring for those in need.

Santa Claus, for some, replaces Jesus at Christmas;St. Nicholas, for all, points to Jesus at Christmas.

Santa Claus isn't bad; St. Nicholas is just better.

—C. Myers & J. Rosenthal

By doing good deeds in secret.

Encourage each child/person to think of one way to be a St. Nicholas for someone this year.

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