Celebrate At Church

The real St. Nicholas is so much more than the familiar secular holiday symbol of Santa Claus. Churches are uniquely placed to reclaim "one of their own" through enthusiastic implementation of the customs and traditions which surround St. Nicholas. His stories, as lover of the poor and patron saint of children, complement the central message of the birth of Jesus by leading people to look beyond their own wants and desires. Presenting St. Nicholas as the Christian saint he is, provides a corrective to an over-emphasis on the acquisitive, materialistic aspects of Christmas celebration. Celebrating St. Nicholas Day is appropriate in any church as it brings together young and old in a happy focus on this incredible saint. It is also a superb opportunity to reach out to those who do not attend any church.

Here are ways churches weave St. Nicholas into their Advent practice. Perhaps one or more will be just right for your church—

The Church Remembers St. Nicholas
Three teaching points from the editors of BuildFaith
St. Nicholas Celebration
Comprehensive event with activity stations, stories, games, & worship for church, diocese, or other group
One Hour St. Nicholas Party
Fun-filled family event
A Simple First-time St. Nicholas Celebration
Nothing fancy, just effective and fun
Bishops Welcome Saint Nicholas
visitation & ministry to their dioceses

Ideas from Churches

St. Nicholas Day Worship
St. Nicholas Day Events
Other St. Nicholas Events
Other Ways To Highlight St. Nicholas
Community Outreach with St. Nicholas
Youth Groups
Study Guides

Articles for Churches
Ideas for parish events, children's sermons, and an adult discussion guide
Video: St. Nicholas Tradition: why is it important?"
Kim Lawton, of PBS' Religion & Ethics Weekly, talks with Canon Jim Rosenthal about bringing St. Nicholas back into churches

Other Resources

St. Nicholas Liturgical Resources

HYMNS • ORDERS OF WORSHIP • PRAYERS • SERMONS

Publicity materials for St. Nicholas Events
Files to customize for posters, flyers, & door hangers
Resources For Celebrating St. Nicholas

ACTIVITIES • BOOKS • ARTICLES • CLIP ART • COSTUME HELPS • CRAFTS • HANDOUT • MUSIC • PLAYS & SCRIPTS • RECIPES • STORIES & POEMS • ESPECIALLY FOR TEACHERS

Simple St. Nicholas Visit: Guide
Special Treat Bags for a St. Nicholas Event 
St. Nicholas Display & Activity Room 
An easy, inexpensive way to introduce children & adults to St. Nicholas
St. Nicholas Celebration: Planning Guide 
Interactive St. Nicholas Storytelling 
Advent Quiet Day with an accent on St. Nicholas 
How to Celebrate a St Nicholas Festival in the UK 
Suggestions from the St Nicholas Society/UK

Reclaiming the Tradition of St. Nicholas

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