How to Celebrate
RESOURCES FROM AMERICAN FRIENDS OF DIOCESE OF JERUSALEM FOR ST NICHOLAS DAY
A Nicholas Festival
A celebration of the true and only Santa Claus/Father Christmas - the Bishop and Saint - NICHOLAS
A recipe for a fun learning experience for young and old, and an excellent way to open the doors of your church or organisation to the wider community, in a very non-threatening way.
WHAT YOU NEED?
Yes, another committee, with an enthusiastic leader and many workers
A person to be St Nicholas
An outfit - Cope, Miter, Crozier, Beard, Gloves, Ring, Stole inner garment such as an alb robe or cassock - these outfits should have a less than real look, and are available in Belgium and Holland, they are not cheap, but have a lasting value. Do not borrow from your local Bishop!
A throne or a large chair might do
An occasion - maybe a party with an arrival of the Saint from a hidden place, or indeed a public arrival in a garden, park, or nearby community center with a parade to the church steps (or inside) for a short program. Maybe a horse and carriage, a horse alone (be careful), float, open-air car
St Nicks Feast Day is December 6th, though people in many places begin the celebrations earlier. Later is fine as well as we are re-defining the identity of Mr Claus or Fr Christmas!
This could be part of a Christmas Market, Christkindl, St Nicholas Faire etc
Proper advertising - don't disappoint yourselves when the crowd is small if you haven't done proper announcing - local papers, bulletins, small flyers in shops.
Gifts - giving and getting - each person could be asked to bring a gift for a needy child or a shelter…each child rightly deserves some gift as well (costs involved). Chocolate images of the saint are available either direct from Europe or through impo
