The Spirit of Christmas
St. Nicholas
St. Nicholas and the Spirit of Christmas
When we think of St. Nicholas, many of us picture a jolly man in a red suit with a white beard. But the real St. Nicholas, a 4th-century bishop from Myra, has a story that goes far beyond modern holiday traditions and reminds us of what Christmas is really about.
Who Was St. Nicholas?
St. Nicholas was born in the late 3rd century in Patara, a city in what is now Turkey. From an early age, he showed deep faith and compassion. After losing his wealthy parents, he decided to use his inheritance to help those in need. He became the Bishop of Myra (present-day Demre) and earned a reputation as a protector of the poor and defender of the faith during tough times for Christians under Roman persecution.
One of the most famous stories about St. Nicholas is how he secretly gave dowries to three poor sisters to save them from a grim future. Legend has it that he tossed bags of gold coins through their window—or down their chimney, depending on the version you hear—and the coins landed in their stockings or shoes by the fire. Sound familiar? This is where the tradition of hanging stockings at Christmas comes from.
He also saved innocent people from wrongful execution, stood up for the oppressed, and was known for his strong sense of justice and charity. After he passed away on December 6th, around AD 343, his feast day became a time to give to others, especially children and those in need.
St. Nicholas and the Spirit of Christmas
At its core, Christmas is about celebrating God’s ultimate gift to us—the birth of Jesus Christ. The story of St. Nicholas reminds us that the true spirit of Christmas is about selflessness, generosity, and love for others. His actions reflect the kind of love that came into the world in Bethlehem—a love that gives without expecting anything in return.
In today’s world, where the holidays often get overshadowed by materialism, St. Nicholas’s example can help us refocus. Instead of just exchanging gifts, we can follow his lead by finding ways to:
Help Those in Need: Whether it’s donating to a charity, volunteering, or supporting a struggling family, acts of kindness honor St. Nicholas’s legacy.
Give in Secret: Like St. Nicholas, who gave without seeking recognition, we can practice humility by giving anonymously.
Stand Up for Others: Advocating for justice and supporting those who can’t defend themselves is a powerful way to live out his spirit.
Share Christ’s Joy: The greatest gift we can give is sharing the good news of Jesus through our words and actions.
Reclaiming Christmas Through St. Nicholas
St. Nicholas’s story offers a chance to take back Christmas from the distractions of consumerism and focus on the incredible gift of Christ’s birth. Traditions like gift-giving, hanging stockings, and spreading cheer can remind us of the saint’s virtues and God’s boundless love. As we get ready for Christmas, let’s ask St. Nicholas to pray for us so we can follow his example of generosity and grow closer to Christ.
By living out the spirit of St. Nicholas, we can make this season not just festive and fun, but also meaningful and holy. In doing so, we honor both the saint and the Savior whose birth we celebrate.
A Prayer to St. Nicholas
St. Nicholas, patron of children and model of charity, help us open our hearts to others. Inspire us to be kind, defend the vulnerable, and share the love of Christ in all we do. Through your prayers, may we grow closer to Jesus, the greatest gift of all. Amen.