Tip #11: Celebrate the feasts of Advent

Courtesy photo

I confess. I put my shoe out for the feast of St. Nicholas. I knew I wouldn't get the normal fare of gold chocolate coins that I've happily discovered on Dec. 6 for years, but sentimentality won out. I remember many times on the night before St. Nicholas Day, either my mom or my sister would remind everyone, "Don't forget to put your shoe out!" The whole family's assortment of shoes would then line up by the fireplace – mom's and dad's included. Our shoes were then mysteriously filled overnight with small bags of chocolate coins wrapped in gold. We all knew where it came from, but even as we grew older, we tended to lean towards St. Nick as our benefactor.

Learning from St. Nick

The tradition commemorates the generosity of St. Nicholas. Legend has it that a widower with three daughters feared for their futures since he could not provide a proper dowry for any of them. When St. Nicholas heard of this plight, he secretly visited their house three times, dropping a bag of gold coins in through the window each night – one for the dowry of each daughter.

Other Advent feasts

Celebrating feasts like that of St. Nicholas is a simple, fun way to reflect upon and learn from the saints as we prepare for the coming of Christ. Other feasts during Advent include:

• Immaculate Conception, Dec. 8 – We celebrate Our Lady who was conceived without sin (Remember, this is a holy day of obligation)
• Our Lady of Guadalupe, Dec. 12 – Mary appeared to Juan Diego multiple times and ultimately left her image on his tilma, leading to the conversion of 8-10 million natives (This is a great day for a Mexican dinner!)
• St. Lucy, Dec. 13 – A fourth century martyr, St. Lucy's feast day and name are associated with light (You can light candles and ask for her special intercession)

I'm looking forward to adding a couple more traditions to my Advent season, but St. Nicholas is still by far my favorite. But then, I didn't get gold in my shoe this year ... does that mean I'm getting coal in my stocking?

You can read more about "The real St. Nicholas" at osv.com, or learn about how a "Santa-loving priest spreads spirit of St. Nick."

For more ideas about how to celebrate Advent, download the "30 ways to make Advent, Christmas stress-free" PDF.