Attend Mass for St. Nicholas
Begin the day by attending Mass to honor this great saint. You may be interested in finding a Traditional Latin Mass (click here to explore) or check your parish’s schedule for a special celebration. Pray for the virtues of charity and courage that St. Nicholas exemplified.
Tell the Story of St. Nicholas’ Three Bags of Gold
This beloved tale of St. Nicholas reflects his compassion and willingness to help others in need without seeking recognition. Gather your family around the Advent wreath, Christmas tree, or table where three golden ornaments are displayed, and share the story together.
The Story of St. Nicholas’ Three Bags of Gold
In the city of Patara in Asia Minor, where St. Nicholas was born, there lived a poor man with three daughters. This man had once been wealthy but had fallen into destitution. Without money for dowries—a sum traditionally given by a bride’s family to her husband—his daughters faced a grim future. In those days, lack of a dowry meant young women could not marry, and in desperation, some were even forced into slavery or worse.
St. Nicholas, who had inherited a fortune from his parents, learned of this man’s plight. Known for his great generosity, he decided to help—but wanted to do so anonymously, fulfilling Christ’s command to give in secret (Matthew 6:3-4).
Late one night, St. Nicholas crept to the man’s house and dropped a bag of gold coins through an open window. Some versions of the story say it landed in a stocking or shoe drying by the fire—giving rise to the tradition of stockings on St. Nicholas Day!
When the family awoke and found the gold, the father was overwhelmed with joy and gratitude. He used the money to provide a dowry for his eldest daughter, enabling her to marry honorably.
But the plight of his other daughters still troubled him. Again, St. Nicholas secretly returned and dropped another bag of gold through the window. The second daughter was now also able to marry.
The man became curious about the identity of his mysterious benefactor. On the third night, when St. Nicholas came to deliver the final bag of gold, the father stayed awake to watch. Upon catching sight of Nicholas, he fell to his knees in gratitude, thanking him for saving his daughters from a life of misery. St. Nicholas, in his humility, urged the man to thank God alone, saying, “Do not tell anyone about this.”
- Serve rye bread slices with mild cheeses and a drizzle of honey.
By sharing this story, you bring to life the virtues of charity and humility that St. Nicholas modeled so powerfully. Encourage your family to reflect on how they can quietly help others in need, just as St. Nicholas did, keeping the spirit of his generosity alive.
Give a Gift from St. Nicholas
As a surprise, leave a small gift for each family member, labeling it as “From St. Nicholas.” This could include religious items like holy cards, small icons, or chocolates wrapped in gold foil to echo his generosity.
Fill Stockings on St. Nicholas Eve
On the evening of December 5, fill stockings with small treats for children to find the next morning. Traditional items include:
- Oranges (symbolizing the gold St. Nicholas gave)
- Gold coins (real or chocolate)
- Candy canes (representing the bishop’s crozier)
- Small toys or books
Take time to pray together as a family before bedtime, asking for St. Nicholas’ intercession.
Read About St. Nicholas and Arius
In the early 4th century, the Christian Church faced one of its greatest theological challenges: the Arian heresy. Named after a priest named Arius, this heresy denied the full divinity of Jesus Christ. Arius taught that Jesus was a created being, not equal to God the Father. This contradicted the Church’s teaching that Jesus is fully God and fully man—true God from true God, as later affirmed in the Nicene Creed.
To address this crisis, Emperor Constantine convened the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, gathering bishops from across Christendom to resolve the issue and clarify the Church’s teaching on the nature of Christ. Among the attendees was Bishop Nicholas of Myra, already renowned for his holiness, generosity, and deep love for Christ.
During the council, Arius presented his arguments, claiming that Christ was not eternal and not equal to the Father. St. Nicholas listened intently, his heart burning with indignation at the blasphemy against the Son of God. Arius’ words directly attacked the truth of the Incarnation—the very mystery Nicholas had devoted his life to proclaiming.
Overcome with righteous anger, Nicholas rose from his seat, approached Arius, and (according to tradition) struck him across the face! This act shocked the other bishops, as such behavior was considered unbecoming of a churchman. Nicholas was temporarily stripped of his episcopal insignia and placed in confinement as punishment.
While in prison, Nicholas prayed fervently, seeking God’s guidance. That night, he received a vision of Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary. In the vision, Christ handed Nicholas the Gospel, and Mary gave him his bishop’s stole, restoring his office as a sign of divine approval. When the bishops heard of the vision, they reinstated him, recognizing his actions as driven by zeal for the truth.
Ultimately, the Council of Nicaea condemned the teachings of Arius and affirmed the divinity of Christ, declaring in the Nicene Creed:
“I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father.”
This declaration has remained a cornerstone of Christian faith ever since, thanks in part to the fervent defense of St. Nicholas and others like him.