The Feast of St. Nicholas

Today, the church celebrates the feast of Saint Nicholas of Myra, a holy bishop whose reputation for sanctity and charity lives on in the character of the red-dressed jolly Saint Nick of Christmas time. Nicholas was born in the 3rd century in Asia Minor, and later became the bishop of Myra. Known for his deep Christian faith and generosity, he dedicated his life to serving the poor and defending the innocent, with an endearing reputation for secret gift-giving, which made him beloved throughout the Christian world. While much of his life is shrouded in legend, various famous episodes exist that lend Nicholas a unique and characteristic charm: he purportedly attended the council of Nicea and, when confronted by the heretic Arius, restored to punching the heretic rather than debating. Saint Nicholas spent much of his life imprisoned by the order of Diocletian’s persecution of Christians. After his death, devotion to Nicholas spread quickly, and he became one of the most venerated saints in both the Eastern and Western Churches.

Over the centuries, stories of Nicholas’ kindness and miracles grew, and he became the patron saint of children, sailors, and many regions across Europe; he earned the title Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker for many miraculous stories associated with his intercession. Today, his feast day is traditionally celebrated with gift-giving and charity, especially in countries like Germany and the Netherlands. When Dutch settlers carried these traditions to America, “Sinterklaas” gradually transformed into “Santa Claus.” The image of Nicholas as a humble bishop began to merge with folklore and popular culture, reshaping him into a figure of festive cheer.

By the 19th century, North-American culture had reimagined Santa Claus as a jolly, red-suited man who delivered presents on Christmas Eve. While this modern identity differs from the historical bishop of Myra, the essence of Saint Nicholas remains: a man whose faith and generosity inspired centuries of gift-giving traditions. Thus, the real story of Saint Nicholas endures in Santa Claus, reminding the world that the joy of Christmas is rooted in charity, compassion, and love. He lives on as the man who rewards the nice and punishes the naughty, who secretly delivers gifts that spread the cheer and joy of the Nativity, and who loves a good plate of cookies! May the real Santa Claus pray for us as we all strive to grow in Love and Holiness this advent.