Happy St. Nicholas Day!

The Bishop of Myra in Asia Minor is one of the most popular oriental saints. The spiritual and temporal needs of his flock were the first object of his pastoral care. This worker of miracles died A.D. 352; his body was eventually enshrined at Bari in Italy. (The Roman Missal, 1962)

Today is a good day to remind children that Santa Claus is really Saint Nicholas, who lived in 4th century Turkey and was known for his kindness and generosity to others.

In some countries, children leave their shoes outside the door and later find gifts and goodies inside. (In America we hang stockings to be filled at Christmas time). Good children receive gifts in their shoes, but naughty children might get lumps of coal.

The father of the family might dress up as St. Nicholas and come to visit the children, sometimes with his sidekick Krumpus, or Black Peter. He helps the children to examine their consciences in preparation for Christmas.

I think I'll set my shoes outside my bedroom door tonight and see if anything happens. :o)