St. Nicholas was a bishop of Myra known for his great generosity, especially to children and the poor. His feast is the origin of many gift-giving traditions and a beloved Advent celebration.
Prayers
Prayer to St. Nicholas
O good and gentle St. Nicholas, you who loved children and cared for the poor, pray for us. Help us to be generous with what we have, and to prepare our hearts during this Advent for the coming of the Christ Child. Amen.
Recipes
St. Nicholas Cookies (Speculaus)
Spiced shortbread cookies traditionally baked for St. Nicholas Day.
Ingredients
2 cups flour 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup butter 1 tsp cinnamon 1/2 tsp nutmeg 1/4 tsp cloves 1/4 tsp ginger pinch of salt 1 egg
Instructions
1. Cream butter and sugar; beat in egg. 2. Sift dry ingredients and mix into a dough. 3. Chill 1 hour, then roll and cut into shapes. 4. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until golden.
German St. Nicholas Day Bread
A sweet, fruited loaf to share on the eve of St. Nicholas.
Ingredients
4 cups flour 1/2 cup warm milk 1/4 cup sugar 1 packet yeast 1/3 cup butter 2 eggs 1/2 cup raisins 1/4 cup candied fruit
Instructions
1. Proof yeast in warm milk. 2. Mix into a soft dough with the rest. 3. Knead, rise until doubled, shape into a loaf. 4. Bake at 375°F for 35-40 minutes.
Book List
Read these in the days leading up to and around the feast.
The Legend of St. Nicholas
Demi
A beautifully illustrated retelling of the life of St. Nicholas for children.
The Baker's Dozen: A St. Nicholas Tale
Aaron Shepard
A colonial American legend about generosity, tied to the St. Nicholas tradition.
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Activities & Resources
Reminders
Choose when you'd like to be reminded about this feast day.
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