This Friday, December 6th, marks St. Nicholas day. Even though we don't really celebrate St. Nicholas day in the United States, many countries and children around the world take part in this holiday.
The following excerpts come from St. Nicholas Center which has a lot of great information, and a KIDS CORNER with coloring sheets and activities for kids and families to do together.
HOW IS ST. NICHOLAS CELEBRATED?
Celebrate At Home
Dutch Postcard St Nicholas Center Collection |
So tell a story of St. Nicholas' generous example of giving in secret to those in need. Then encourage children to identify a kindly "Nicholas deed" to do for someone else. Have children fill their shoes with pieces of carrot or bits of hay for his white horse or donkey. Place shoes outside bedroom doors or on the hearth. See that a candy treat (a candy cane represents Bishop Nicholas' crozier) and simple gift appears by morning on December 6th.
Have a party. The Dutch give simple gifts accompanied with elaborate riddles and/or wrapped in fantastically deceiving ways, such as a pen inside a hollowed out carrot or something small nested inside multiple boxes and wrappings.
Click on the following link for a fun coloring activity that you can do at home with your families!
http://www.stnicholascenter.org/media/assets/coloring-belgian.pdf