Celebrating The Feast of St. Nicholas - Saturday, December 6

I apologize that these Advent posts have not been as timely as perhaps would be desired, but on top of Thanksgiving and with Christmas not far behind, we are also in the process of becoming certified foster parents, so life has a been a bit busy of late. Our certification should be complete as early as tomorrow and once that is in place, we could receive a child at any time. This is our second venture in foster parenting, and we are looking forward to caring for the children the Lord sends our way.

That being said, I wanted to post this perhaps a bit later than desired than not at all because it is one of my favorite days of the Advent Season, THE FEAST OF ST. NICHOLAS, which is this Saturday, December 6!  If you're not familiar with it,  I'm providing a LOT of ideas for you in hopes that if you decide to observe and celebrate it, you'll find at least a few of them doable. Hopefully all of the links still work, because in all honesty I just don't have time to fix them right now. If they don't, a quick search on Google will likely lead you.  I would also suggest searching "St. Nicholas Day" on Pinterest, where you'll be greeted with more ideas and resources than you could possible manage. Thank you for your patience!

~ Enjoy!

HISTORY - from the St. Nicholas Center
As we wait for God to become incarnate, we look to the whole body of Christ, past and present, for models of embodied faith. The commemoration of saints has been a part of Christian worship since the second century.

Today we remember Saint Nicholas, who was the Bishop of Myra in the province of Lycia during the fourth century. Very little is known about his life, but he is remembered as a man of great faith and compassion. He was also a fierce advocate for those who had been unjustly condemned. But he left behind no writings: the legends surrounding his life are all we have.

Nicholas is most well known in the West as the beloved patron saint of children and gift-giving. His connection to the American character of Santa Claus is faint, but it can be traced. According to tradition, Nicholas’ parents died when he was young, leaving him a large sum of money. With his inheritance, Nicholas practiced charity, helping those in need.

One legend in particular illustrates his generosity: a family in his community was desperate; the father had lost all of his money and had been unable to find husbands for his three daughters. The daughters were in danger of being given over to prostitution or another form of degradation when, one night, Nicholas appeared at their home. He tossed three bags of gold into the open window (or down the chimney, in some versions)—thereby saving them from a terrible fate. This tale is probably the source of his eventual connection to the tradition of gift-giving at Christmas.

The custom of giving gifts on Saint Nicholas’ feast day probably originated in Europe among Protestants. The Reformation had led many Protestants to all but abandon the remembrance of the saints. But Saint Nicholas remained a popular figure, especially among children, who received gifts in his name on December 6. The custom spread with immigration to North America when Dutch children told their English-speaking friends about “Sinter Klaas,” the bishop in red vestments who brought them surprises on his feast day. The American mispronunciation—Santa Claus—eventually took on a life of its own. This jolly Saint Nick also delivered gifts through the chimney, but on Christmas rather than the saint’s day. He wore a red suit rather than liturgical vestments, though he still vaguely resembled the old depictions of Nicholas, which showed him with bald head and full beard.

Aside from the obvious disparities between Saint Nicholas and the secular Santa Claus, perhaps the most poignant difference between them can be seen in the nature of the gifts they give. While Santa has his bundle of toys, the gift that Saint Nicholas gives is nothing short of freedom from poverty and desperation. The life of Saint Nicholas is an example of faith made flesh in actions of true charity.

GIVING
Ways you can observed The Feast of St. Nicholas with your family
- Collect gently used toys no longer needed and donate them to a local women's shelter.
- Or, make a donation to Toys For Tots
- Participate in Operation Christmas Child

CELEBRATING
- Have your children leave their shoes by the fireplace or at a designated location in your home on the night before the feast day (December 5).  After they have gone to bed fill them with gold coins (Affiliate Link), if you don't need a pound, I've seen individual bags for $1 at Target and Walmart. You can also include an orange, some nuts and a new pair of Christmas socks, or a new Christmas ornament for each child for the tree. Other ideas could include a chocolate Santa or a new Santa mug for drinking hot chocolate in during the season.These are the items we traditionally included when the girls were younger. In our homeschooling years it was also traditionally the day that we added seasonal Christmas books to our home library.

Here are a few suggestion:

Books Related to Saint Nicholas 
(All listings are Affiliate Links)
- The Real Santa Claus
- Saint Nicholas: The Real Story of the Christmas Legend
- The True Saint Nicholas: Why He Matters To Christmas
- Saint Nicholas And The Nine Gold Coins
- The Miracle of Saint Nicholas
- The Legend of St. Nicholas

Books Related to Santa Claus
(All listings are Affiliate Links)
- Yes, Virginia There Is A Santa Claus
- The Santa Claus Chronicles: Heartwarming Tales From A Real Life Santa
- Jolly Old Santa Claus
- Santa Claus: The Book of Secrets
- Santa Claus: The Book of Secrets Coloring Book
- Dear Santa: Children's Christmas Letters and Wishes 1870-1920
- The Night Before Christmas
- The Night Before Christmas - My favorite edition!
- The Night Before Christmas - illustrated by Gennady Spirin, another favorite!
- The Book of Santa Claus - beautiful vintage illustrations!

We also include movies from time to time, and while there are any number of movies related to Santa Claus (just Google!), I always preferred movies such as these; (I'll be posting a list of my favorite seasonal /Christmas movies this weekend!
Movies Related to Santa Claus
(Unless noted, All listings are Affiliate Links)
- Yes, Virginia, There Is A Santa Claus - Beautiful Movie
- Christmas Story (not the one with the leg lamp!) - Available free if you have Prime! (Non-Affiliate)

- A Boy Called Christmas on Netflix

Food for The Feast Day
- Make a Candy Cane Coffee Cake for breakfast, or this Cherry Cheese version.
- Or, you might prefer St. Nicholas Day Donuts, or a Mini Stack of Santa Pancakes.
- We traditionally made these cute Santa pancakes!
- Along with at hot mug of Saint Nicholas Hot Cocoa, you could also make these to give as gifts!
- Make some Nutter Butter St. Nicholas cookies, so cute!
- This Miter Cake is lovely and would be nice if you were hosting a St. Nicholas Day gathering with friends!
- We made Santa Shakes for years, but for the life of me I cannot find the recipe, but this Candy Cane Shake is similar, and would be fun to share while watching a special movies

Special Touches
- Join together for a Saint Nicholas feast day devotional, here are some resources to assist you.
- You might also want to include, A Prayer to Saint Nicholas.
- Jessica at Shower of Roses has made these lovely images of Saint Nicholas to adorn your gold coins with.
- Make this cute Saint Nicholas ornament.

More Ideas and Inspiration!
You can find more information about St. Nicholas including ways to celebrate at The St, Nicholas Center, as well as Catholic Icing.

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Waiting In Wonder - Ideas For Observing The Season of Advent 2025-Fourth Sunday

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FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT

Sunday, December 21, 2025

INTRODUCTORY HYMN
Missa Rorate Coeli. Listen, here.

Introit: Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice! The Lord is near.

- Philippians 4:4-5 (Roman Missal)

Gaudete in Domino semper: iterum dico, gaudete: modestia vestra nota sit omnibus hominibus: Dominus prope est. Nihil solliciti sitis: sed in omni oratione petitiones vestrae innotescant apud Deum.

Ps. Benedixisti, Domine, terram tuam: avertisti captivitatem Iacob.(Graduale Romanum)

THE READING OF THE WORD AND THE LIGHTING OF THE CANDLE
Micah 5:2-5
John 3:16-19

THE CANDLE OF LOVE
Light the Advent candle four
Think of joy forever more
Christ child in a stable born
Gift of love that Christmas morn.

Candle, candle burning bright
Shining in the cold winter night
Candle, candle burning bright
Fill our hearts with Christmas light.


HYMN
O Little Town of Bethlehem

This is the version I grew up listening to.

HAND CRAFTS 
WINTER SIMMERING POTPOURRI
2-3 cinnamon Sticks
1 cup dried cranberries or fresh
1 cup cried Orange Slices or you can use the rind or even fresh slices
1 tbsp clove
1 tbsp allspice
3-4 sprigs rosemary
1 tbsp cinnamon chips (optional)

Place water in a pot until about 1/2 of the way full and then add the ingredients.
Bring water to a slight boil and then turn the stove down to low heat.
Continue to simmer for an hour or two, replenishing water as needed.

CHRISTMAS SCENTED SALT DOUGH ORNAMENTS
2 cups plain flour
1 cup salt
1 cup water
2 tsp ground ginger
2 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp ground clove
2 tsp nutmeg
10 drops orange essential oil (optional but it adds to the amazing smell)

1. Mix the flour, salt, spices and the orange essential oil if you are using it.
2. Then, slowly add the water until you have a workable piece of dough. You don’t want it to be gooey and sticky, so I always
start with a little bit less water and add if I need more. The dough should be close to the consistency of play-dough.
3. Roll out the dough and cut out the desired shape that you want for your ornaments. If you are hanging the ornaments, you will need to use a skewer, straw or something to create the hole for your string.

1. Place the ornaments on a baking sheet and put in the oven at the lowest temperature possible. My oven was set to 170 degrees.
2. Bake the scented salt dough ornaments for 1 hour, then, flip them over and bake another hour.
3. Lastly, remove them from the oven and allow to cool. Then, be creative because you can leave them plain, paint them, create a garland, tie them on packages or simply use as ornaments.

RECIPES

As we entered into this holy season on Stir Up Sunday with an orange cake, we continue that theme with a slightly different variation.

ORANGE BIRTHDAY CAKE FOR JESUS

2 1/2 cups flour
1 3/4 cups sugar
1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup oil (extra-virgin olive oil, canola, vegetable, coconut, or blood orange evoo)
1 cup fresh orange juice
3 eggs
1 cup sour cream
1 - 2 teaspoons orange zest

Orange Cream Cheese Frosting:
1 cup butter softened
1 - 8- ounce pkg. cream cheese softened
4 cups powdered sugar
2 Tablespoons fresh orange juice

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large mixing bowl, stir flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
In another mixing bowl, cream oil, orange juice, eggs, sour cream, and orange zest until completely mixed.

Fold in dry ingredients, mixing only until combined.

Pour into greased (3) 8-inch or (2) 9-inch cake pans.

Bake for 19-21 minutes, depending on the size of pan used. To test if the cakes are done, insert a toothpick in the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cakes are done. Let cool for 15 minutes before removing from pans.

To make frosting:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and cream cheese for 4 minutes until light and fluffy. Scrape down sides of the bowl halfway through mixing. Stir in powdered sugar, orange zest, and orange juice.

Once cakes are cooled, frost with orange cream cheese frosting

OLD FASHIONED EGG NOG
12 medium egg yolk
1.5 cups white granulated sugar
4 cups full fat milk
2 cups heavy cream 
one teaspoon ground nutmeg, or adjust to taste,
one teaspoon good quality vanilla extract
Equipment Needed
blender
large bowl
whisk

Place the egg yolks and white sugar into the blender. Blend for about 2 minutes or until the mix thickens up. Pour the yolk-sugar mix into a large bowl, whisk in milk and cream. Continue mixing until the sugar has completely dissolved. Sprinkle in the nutmeg and pour in the vanilla, mix until well incorporated. Taste and adjust nutmeg if desired.
Chill until ready to serve. Sprinkle ground cinnamon over each cup before serving.

NOTES
1. The recipe calls for raw eggs. Consume at your own risk.
2. Whole fat milk and heavy cream yield thicker and better tasting eggnog.
3. For alcoholic version add a cup of good quality brandy or rum after nutmeg and vanilla has been added. Whisk again until
brandy/rum is well incorporated into the eggnog.

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Waiting In Wonder - Ideas For Observing The Season of Advent 2025-Third Sunday

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THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT

Sunday, December 14, 2025

INTRODUCTORY HYMN

Missa Gaudete. Listen, here.

Introit: I exult for joy in the Lord, my soul rejoices in my God; for he has clothed me in the garment of salvation and robed me in the cloak of justice, like a bride adorned with her jewels. 

- Isaiah 61:10 (Roman Missal)

Gaudens gaudebo in Domino et exsultabit anima mea in Deo meo: quia induit me vestimentis salutis, et indumento iustitiæ circumdedit me, quasi sponsam ornatam monilibus suis

Ps. Exaltabo te, Domine, quoniam suscepisti me: nec delecasti inimicos meos super me.(Graduale Romanum)

THE READING OF THE WORD AND THE LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH CANDLE
Matthew 2:10-11

“When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.” (NIV)the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end. 



THE CANDLE OF JOY
Light the Advent candle three 
Think of heavenly harmony 
Angels singing "Peace on Earth" 
At the Blessed Saviour's birth.

Candle, candle burning bright 
Shining in the cold winter night 
Candle, candle burning bright
Fill our hearts with Christmas light.

HYMN
Joy To The World

Here's a pretty standard version for singing along, but I LOVE this one!

HAND CRAFTS

The star is one of the most recognized symbols of Christmas, and what better time to incorporate into your handcrafts and holiday baking than at Christmas.  They would be especially fitting for your Twelfth Night celebrations, as well, but are fitting any time during the Christmas season.

CINNAMON APPLESAUCE STARS

2 cups cinnamon, plus extra for dusting
2 cups applesauce
Mix together equal parts cinnamon and applesauce until well incorporated and dough forms.
If too sticky, add more cinnamon.
Roll out dough between two pieces of parchment paper to 1/4 inch thickness.
Cut out shapes and place them on a baking sheet.
Bake at 200 degrees F for 2 hours.

Dust with additional cinnamon while still warm.
Allow the shapes to set and dry completely by placing them on a cooling rack for 24 hour

You can use sandpaper to smooth out the edges if they are jagged once the shapes are dry.

Makes about 18 ornaments, depending on size.

And if you would like other ideas for some star shaped seasonal crafts, here are links to a few others.

Wood and Paper Stars

Paper Bag Stars

RECIPES

MAPLE CINNAMON STAR COOKIES
2 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (spoon and leveled)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg, at room temperature
1 and 1/2 teaspoons maple extract*
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
gold sprinkles and/or edible glitter sprinkles
optional: 8 ounces white chocolate, coarsely chopped

Whisk the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt together in a medium bowl. Set aside.
In a large bowl using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter until creamy and smooth, about 1 minute. Add the sugar and beat on high speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides and up the bottom of the bowl as needed. Add the egg, maple extract, and vanilla extract then beat on high until fully combined, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.

Turn the mixer down to low and add about half of the flour mixture, beating until just barely combined. Add the rest of the flour and continue mixing until just combined. If the dough still seems too soft, you can add 1 Tablespoon more flour until it is a better consistency for rolling.

Divide the dough into 2 equal parts. Roll each portion out onto a piece of parchment (or a silicone baking mat, what I prefer!) to about 1/4″ thickness. Stack the pieces, with parchment paper between the two, onto a baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours and up to 1 day. Chilling is mandatory. If chilling for more than a couple hours, cover the top dough piece with a single piece of parchment paper.

Once chilled, preheat oven to 350°F. Line 2-3 large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Remove one of the dough pieces from the refrigerator and using a cookie cutter, cut into star shapes. Transfer the cut cookie dough to the prepared baking sheet. Re-roll the remaining dough and continue cutting until all is used.

Before baking, top with sprinkles. Use a spoon to press the sprinkles into the cookies so they stay secure on top.

Bake for 10-11 minutes, until lightly browned around the edges. Make sure you rotate the baking sheet halfway through bake time. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before dipping into chocolate.

If using, melt the chopped white chocolate in the microwave in 20 second increments, stirring after each until completely melted. Dip the cookies into the white chocolate and allow chocolate to set completely at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

MEXICAN HOT CHOCOLATE

This is a recipe that I've been making around the holidays for a couple of years now. I usually make it in the crock pot to keep it warm. The combination of the chocolate along with the spices, especially the cayenne is just the best!

4 cups whole milk
2 Tbsp cocoa powder
4 oz bittersweet chocolate , chopped
7 oz sweetened condensed milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper

Optional Toppings:
marshmallows (regular or mini)
whipped cream
pinch of cinnamon
drizzle of chocolate sauce
grated chocolate

To a large saucepan, dutch oven or stockpot, add all ingredients and heat over MED heat. Whisk as it heats, to combine all ingredients until smooth. Bring to a low boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 3-5 minutes.


Pour into mugs and top with desired toppings. My usual preference is whipped cream, grated chocolate, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

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Waiting in Wonder - Ideas For Observing The Season of Advent 2025 - Second Sunday

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SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT

Sunday, December 7, 2025

INTRODUCTORY HYMN
 Missa Populus Sion. Listen, here.

Introit: People of Zion, the Lord will come to save all nations, and your hearts will exult to hear his majestic voice.
- Based on Isaiah 30:19,30, (Roman Missal)

Populus Sion, ecce Dominus veniet ad salvandas gentes: et auditam faciet Dominus gloriam vocis suae, in laetitia cordis vestri.

Ps. Qui regis Israel, intende: qui deducis velut ovem Ioseph.(Graduale Romanum)

THE READING OF THE WORD AND THE LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH CANDLE
Isaiah 40:3-5
“A voice of one calling:
‘In the wilderness prepare
    the way for the Lord;
make straight in the desert
    a highway for our God.
Every valley shall be raised up,
    every mountain and hill made low;
the rough ground shall become level,
    the rugged places a plain.
And the glory of the Lord will be revealed,
    and all people will see it together.
For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.’” (NIV)


THE CANDLE OF PEACE
Light the Advent candle two,

think of humble shepherds who,

filled with wonder at the sight,

of the child on Christmas night.



Candle, candle burning bright,

shining in the cold winter night.

Candle, candle burning bright,

fill our hearts with Christmas light.

HYMN
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
Listen, here, or listen to this beautiful version.  We enjoy listening to this at the end of every Advent devotional during the season.

Click on image to enlarge, right click and save to your computer.

HAND CRAFTS

Traditionally we put up our tree the weekend before Thanksgiving, although in recent years, I've held out for the weekend after, but always before the first Sunday of Advent.  

However, with the scripture reference to "the voice crying in the wilderness", and the poems mention of "the humble shepherds", it might hold special meaning to put up the tree on this day.  Not that there were pine trees in the fields, but most likely there were some trees, and as I though on this it just seemed an obvious fit.  I don't even know that I will hold out until the second Sunday of Advent, but it's a lovely thought, just the same.

That being said, perhaps you could even place the tree the day before and put on nothing but the lights and save the fun of decorating together as a family for today.  Or you could put the tree and the lights up and then decorate it a little more each night, adding different elements. As I've said in previous posts, there is no wrong way to observe the season, all that matters is what is right for you and for your family! So whenever you choose to decorate your tree, here are some lovely ideas for adorning it!

CHRISTMAS TREE GINGERBREAD ORNAMENTS

1 cup shortening (I used butter)
1 cup light brown sugar
3 farm-fresh eggs, well beaten
1 1/2 cups molasses
6 cups bread flour
1 1/2 tablespoons ginger
2 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon,

1. In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and add the brown sugar, eggs, and molasses. Sift together all the dry ingredients and add them to the butter mixture. Mix thoroughly and chill well ­before rolling out on a floured slab. 2. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a cookie sheet.

3. Place them on the greased cookie sheet and bake them in the preheated oven. Bake until dry but not crisp.

CANDY CANE ORNAMENTS
A shepherds crook is a long and sturdy stick with a hook at one end used to guide and manage sheep. In tribute to the shepherds, why not decorate your tree with candy canes.  Of course you may choose to use the real thing, which we did for a number of years and it was lovely.  But here are some other ideas you might want to consider as well.

Rustic Holiday Candy Canes - wrapped in burlap and ribbon and adorned with bells and greenery.
Prim Candy Canes wrapped in twine, or these wrapped in red gingham, so cute!
Pipe Cleaner Candy Canes - these would be super easy and fun for the littles in your life!
Beaded Candy Canes - and these would be great for the not-so-little littles, so they won't be tempted to put the beads in their mouth!
Salt Dough Candy Cane Ornaments - I just love salt dough, and these are especially cute!

RECIPES
PEPPERMINT COOKIES
So while we're on the subject of candy canes, why not make up something that features them!? There are more recipes than you can shake a candy cane at, :), but here are a few that caught my eye!

- Peppermint Candy Cane Cookies
- Peppermint Melt-Aways
- Ultra Soft Peppermint Sugar Cookies
- Peppermint Snowball Cookies
- Frosted Peppermint Brownie Cookies

I traditionally make a sweet little peppermint sugar cookie dusted with peppermint sugar and drizzled with chocolate every year, but as odd as it may sound, I can't find a single picture of them. So I'll save that post for another day!

And, since we discussed putting up your Christmas tree, if you prefer a live tree (we do, but due to allergies in the family have always used an artificial tree), you might like to make up a batch of this and have it waiting for everyone, along with some of the cookies you've made! My long-time blogging friend, Rachel Proffit, shared this recipe with me last year.

CHRISTMAS TREE FARM APPLE CIDER PUNCH
2 cups hard cider
2 cups apple juice
1/2 cup of sugar
1 cinnamon stick
1 1/2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
1 1/2 teaspoons allspice

Method: Boil and simmer to allow flavours to infuse. That's where the slow cooker came in handy!.

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