Who is Saint Nicholas?
Historical documents have established the life of St. Nicholas. After his parents died from an epidemic, Nicholas is said to have distributed their wealth to the poor. One celebrated act of charity was that he made multiple visits to a house of three girls under cover of darkness and threw a purse filled with gold coins through the window opening into the house to provide for their dowry. Others attribute Nicholas to putting coins in the shoes of those who left them out for him. These stories and others contribute to Nicholas’ reputation for secret gift-giving, such as a practice celebrated on his feast day, December 6.
Gift traditions based on Saint Nicholas
St. Nicholas’ Day December 6
Have your children put their shoes outside on December 5. Then fill their shoes with small items to be found on December 6. Ideas include chocolates, candy canes, an ornament, or a small toy.
White Elephant, Yankee Swap, or Dirty Santa
Invite your friends, family, or co-workers to a contest to walk away with the best gift. To organize this exchange each invited player brings one wrapped gift to contribute to a common pool. The gift can have a theme and usually, a dollar value range. Players draw names or numbers to see who goes first. Everyone sits around the pile of gifts. The first player opens the gift for everyone to see it. The next player can choose a new gift from the pile or steal one of the previously opened gifts. If your gift is stolen, then you can steal or choose a wrapped gift. Typically rules are used to limit to three times the gift can be stolen. After all the players have gone, the first player can pick from any gift. Ideas for swap-gifts or themes include ornaments, stationery, coffee cups, kitchen linens, food or drink items, and bath products.
Secret Santa
This is another favorite of friends, family, or co-workers. Participants are randomly assigned to each other to give gifts. This can be for a designated period or a one-time event (such as Christmas Day). The value and/or theme of the gift is usually predetermined. To make this a little easier on the giver, each participant can share their preferred list so the “Secret Santa” can give a wished-for gift.
Come by our store on December 6 to see our curated selection of gifts for St. Nick’s Day, White Elephant, Secret Santa and other holiday gift occasions.
Celebrate By Lisa Lou
6543 Woodway Drive
Houston, Texas 77057