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Though not largely celebrated in the States, many parts of Europe have a long tradition of celebrating jolly old St. Nicholas on December 6.  While most Americans lump Santa Claus into the actual Christmas holiday, celebrating on December 6 is not only a good way to kick-start the season, but it also a way for those who prefer a different focus on Christmas to enjoy the fun of St. Nick as well.

Here are a few ways to make St. Nick’s Day a part of your holiday tradition.

• Hang Stockings – Does that sound familiar?  On December 5th, just before bed, children should be reminded to hang a stocking on their bedroom door, or even the front door.  Another option is to put a child’s shoe or boot outside of the door.
• Make Family Mailboxes – Just after the stockings are hung, but before bedtime, family members have a chance to put meaningful notes in one another’s “mailbox”.  It could be a short and sweet note of love and appreciation or even a poem.
• Write a Letter to Santa – Sending letters to Santa is an important part of the holiday tradition.   Having a child’s letter ready to include in the stocking or shoe before bed on the night of December 5 is a great way to “send” his letter.
• Check the Contents – Santa comes during the night to collect his letter and to indicate whether or not the child has been good or bad during the year.  If a child has been bad, then he/she will no doubt receive a lump of coal.  However, if a child has been good, they might find candy, nuts, trinkets, and/or useful items (such as a toothbrush, undies, or Christmas pajamas).
• Relieve Christmas Day Pressure – Sometimes the pressure to squeeze everything in on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day can be overwhelming.  Celebrating St. Nick’s Day is a good way to spread it out a little.  Maybe invite friends for brunch or dinner on this day and leave Christmas for family.
• Share – Even if St. Nick’s Day doesn’t become a part of your annual tradition, you can still use it as a means to teach your children about a  very good man and what Saint Nicholas stood for while alive.  It is also an opportunity for your family to learn about new cultures from around the world.  Make it a family research project.  To get you started, you can learn more about St. Nick’s Day here.

Have you ever celebrated St. Nick’s Day?  If so, what are some of your favorite memories?