The Story of St. Nicholas

Featured in Faith and Science with Dr. Fizzlebop:
Fizzing Christmas Trees experiment

You probably have many wondrous Christmas traditions. At the Fizzlebop home, we exuberantly celebrate Advent with various activities, we open special pajamas on Christmas Eve, we make fizzy Christmas trees like you just did, and we celebrate Jesus’ birthday with a birthday cake! We also have a tradition called St. Nicking, where we leave gifts anonymously (which means secretly) on the doorstep of someone who needs a little extra at Christmas.

Have you ever heard of a man named St. Nicholas, also known as St. Nick? St. Nick lived a long time ago (around AD 280) in a place called Asia Minor, which is part of modern-day Turkey (the country, not the bird). As a boy, he traveled widely with his parents and saw many magnificent things, but sadly both of his parents died in an epidemic (which is an out-break of sickness), leaving him an orphan. Nicholas inherited his parents’ fortune, and as a strong Christian, he lived out Jesus’ teachings on generosity.

We can learn what Jesus had to say about being generous in the story of the Rich Young Ruler (Mark 10:17-31). Have you read that part of the Bible? If not, turn there now and check it out!

Jesus told the rich young man, “Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

What the young rich man found to be a huge obstacle, Nicholas followed with all his heart. He gave generously from his inheritance and often gave anonymously. Not only did Nicholas want to give as Jesus had commanded, but he didn’t want to be praised or glorified by doing so. He knew that all he had came from God, and therefore it wasn’t really his at all.

To me, St. Nick is such a marvelous example of what Christmas is all about. When God gave us his Son, he gave the greatest gift he could. Jesus gave his life so people could be saved. It’s a free gift for anyone who chooses to follow him. Can you see how St. Nick’s selfless giving pointed toward what God and his Son, Jesus, both gave freely?

This Christmas, consider how you can give generously and anonymously to someone who needs to feel God’s exuberant, overwhelming love. I promise you’ll feel fizztastic inside, because when we do what God asks, we are filled with wondrous joy.             

Prayer Time

As a family, pray for friends, family members, and people in your community who might need a little extra support this year. Ask God to reveal needs to you throughout the Christmas season.

Devotional Questions

What traditions does your family have at Christmas?

Are there any new traditions you’d like to start this year? (We have some suggestions here)

What is a way you can celebrate Jesus’ birthday by showing his love to someone in your community?

Speaking of Saint Nicholas Checkout this New Christmas Book

Can two girls secretly fill a neighbor's Christmas with joy?

Two sisters set out on a wintry adventure with one important goal: give Mrs. Umberoach a wondrous surprise for Christmas Day. But what will the girls find when they arrive to deliver their surprise at the mysterious house at the end of the street—the one where kites go missing and strange rumors abound? With the help of their mom, the sisters discover the joy of giving instead of receiving and that friends, indeed, are everywhere if only we look.
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St. Nicking at Night is an adventure about seeing past appearances and loving your neighbor as yourself. Combining the anonymous giving spirit of Saint Nick with the three gifts of the magi (wisemen), your family will discover a new way to celebrate Christmas with an exciting new tradition you'll want to continue year after year.

Buy the book

Create a New Family Tradition

What is Saint Nicking?

A fun way to show God’s love to someone in need.​

How do we start?

Ask your church or a local shelter to find a family in need. Learn the names and ages of each family member. If possible, find out clothing sizes, interests and specific needs. 

How does it work?

​Plan a Saint Nicking party as a family. You can also invite others to join the fun. Assign one member from the family in need to each family who wants to help. With a list of suggested items in hand, everyone heads out to shop. When everyone finishes shopping, the wrapping party begins. You can turn on Christmas music and enjoy cookies and hot chocolate as gifts are being wrapped. Now it’s time to deliver the presents. The key to a successful Saint Nicking is to deliver the packages without being seen (like Saint Nick). You can send one car to deliver the gifts. You could also wear fun disguises. Or you could ask your church or local shelter to deliver the gifts anonymously. Finally, imagine the joy of the family who receives gifts picked just for them! And pray for them to have a wondrous Christmas!