A comprehensive all-day event with activities, stories, lunch, a special visitor (!), and a closing festive Eucharist. Participants bring specified items to aid those in need, thus carrying out St. Nicholas spirit. Many ideas to pick and choose to make your own special celebration. Links to resources below.
Schedule
10:00 am Arrival
Deposit books, food, new toys—whatever has been requested to help others Important for the spirit of St. Nicholas Individual greeting and making name tags
10:10 Welcome
Video or PowerPoint Song: Jolly Old St. Nicholas, traditional tune, stanza 1 Sing several times so it can be sung to bring St. Nicholas in later
Jolly old St. Nicholas On this happy day You bring joy and happiness, Hear us as we say, Teach us how to be like you Loving, showing care; Sharing gifts, we celebrate Joy beyond compare.
10:25 Activity Stations 12:00 noon Lunch 12:30 Activity Stations continue, if needed 1:00 Special Visit: Song and Entry 2:00 St. Nicholas Festival Eucharist
Table for book donations
Opening welcome
Video: St. Nicholas
Room set up with Display Kit panels and Activity Stations
Activity Stations
Cut and Paste St. Nicholas A simple craft, make either whole figure or just head
Cut & Paste St. Nicholas
St. Nicholas Coloring Pictures Choose from 25 to print
St. Nicholas Coloring pictures
Coloring St. Nicholas Pictures
Miter-Folding Make both small miters and miters big enough to wear!
Miter-folding, large & small
Folding a miter
Reading about St Nicholas
St. Nicholas Rubbings Three designs
Making St. Nicholas rubbings
St. Nicholas Puzzles Four strip puzzles, either make or use from our kit
How to be a St. Nicholas Talk about being a St. Nicholas—a helper for others
St. Nicholas Puzzles
How to be a St. Nicholas!
Giant St. Nicholas Coloring Poster
Coloring large poster
Lunch
Lunch Table
Lunch time!
St. Nicholas Coin Toss Toss money bags into the chimney——chocolate coins are the prize!
St. Nicholas Coin Toss
Will he make it?
Roll for St. Nicholas Draw St. Nicholas with the roll of a die
Roll for St. Nicholas
St. Nicholas Visit
Sing the St. Nicholas song to beckon St. Nicholas to appear. The good saint tells his story and talks with each child as he gives out special little treats
St Nicholas enters, as song is sung
Singing St. Nicholas in, must be loud enough to bring the saint
Talking with children
St. Nicholas gives treats
Treats
Simple treat bags filled with little St. Nicholas gifts—some candy, some information, and more.
Treat Basket
Treats can reinforce information about St. Nicholas
St. Nicholas Festival Eucharist
A special all-ages liturgy
Gathered around the Font and Advent Wreath
The Gospel Reading
The Homily
Room Set-up
Table with name tags and markers Table for requested donations (books, toys, food, etc.) Activity stations ready AV equipment, as needed Lunch preparation “Bishop’s” Chair for St. Nicholas visit Treat basket