"Jolly Old Saint Nic"

Even as a child, I look forward to Christmas Day, especially the night before Christmas when I hang my socks on a Christmas tree and wait for Santa Claus. On Christmas eve, my parents would tell us to sleep and they would wake us up at 12 midnight, to see the gifts supposedly delivered by Santa Claus. Every time I'd ask how come they didn't wake us up when he's here, their usual reply is " He's in a hurry, he needs to deliver all the gifts to little children in the world". It took a long time before I realized that my parents were "Santa Claus", I was already 10 when I found out. You see, I was born in a poor family but I appreciate very much this Christmas tradition. I saw the spirit of generosity and love in my parents and no matter how small the gifts were, to me, they were precious.

When I was older, I found out that Santa Claus is St. Nicholas and that we could ask for his intercession when we need money. I cherish this tradition in the family and I want to do the same for my children. How many families still cling to this tradition?

I thought it would be nice writing here a short history about who St. Nicholas is.....

The true story of Santa Claus begins with Nicholas, who was born during the third century in the village of Patara. At the time the area was Greek and is now on the southern coast of Turkey. His wealthy parents, who raised him to be a devout Christian, died in an epidemic while Nicholas was still young. Obeying Jesus' words to "sell what you own and give the money to the poor," Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. He dedicated his life to serving God and was made Bishop of Myra while still a young man. Bishop Nicholas became known throughout the land for his generosity to the those in need, his love for children, and his concern for sailors and ships.

When he died, his relics were brought to Bari (Italy). Particularly, after the tenth century, he has been honored by the whole Church. His feast is celebrated every December 6.

Come December 6, let us ask his intercession so that we have enough money to buy gifts for our children and friends.

Read more about St. Nicholas at http://www.stnicholascenter.org/Brix?pageID=38.