How can you please your child on St. Nicholas Day?
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There are holidays whose traditions people have honored for many centuries. And there are those who come from other cultures, but take root firmly, becoming almost family.Their origins are being smoothed out, and it no longer matters where the holiday came from. The important thing is that he is: kind and bright. These are the holidays that St. Nicholas Day refers to.
But a few years ago it was not celebrated at all. It was New Year, and instead of a holy character, Santa Claus was delivering gifts. The children believed in the miracle of New Year’s Eve. They celebrate St. Nicholas Day 2017 during the New Year in Russia, until one of the adults researched the history of traditions and found that there was a real person who, however, not on December 31, but on the 19th, gave gifts to obedient children: delicacies, useful things, and to those who were naughty all year – he put a vine.
Different countries had different prototypes of fairy-tale characters. But Saint Nicholas really existed. And he became famous for his philanthropy and good deeds. It is useful for a child, anyone, from any family, to join the culture of religion regarding behavior. After all, it’s interesting to receive a gift under your pillow!.. To believe in a miracle. And to make it even more interesting and educational, parents should worry about how and where to spend this holiday for their children.
Both believers and non-believers should attend a festive service with their children in the local Orthodox church. There is nothing wrong with attending the festive service and listening to the life and deeds of St. Nicholas. Not quickly, but the beauty will be indescribable. Church ministers in festive vestments, a church choir, parishioners… A small stage performance about St. Nicholas is organized for children. Everything is colorful, intriguing – it’s better not to tell you, especially since the personality of the saint is connected with the church. At the end of the service, communion and a blessing are planned for the children (but they are optional, if desired), and the presentation of small candy gifts.
For those who do not want to go to church on St. Nicholas Day, you can find out about the program of events in your native locality and go to a theatrical performance on a holiday theme. Professional or amateur groups will definitely perform on the stage of the theater and the House of Culture. And they will show your child who Saint Nicholas is and why his name is so popular in today’s world.
Nicholas the Wonderworker, being a priest and then a bishop in the city of Mira (in the territory of present-day Turkey), did not boast of his rank, but fame about his good deeds flew to all corners of the world. His day, December 19, should be left for good deeds. Is there a charity event taking place in your city? Collecting things for a local orphanage? Your participation with children will be the best thing for the holiday. Helping someone who is suffering is a gift that is expected of you, and the child will become familiar with human kindness and learn to sympathize.
It is not necessary to go into lofty truths on St. Nicholas Day. Your children’s help around the house and obedience are what the hero of the occasion appreciates. Saint Nicholas would like it if you and your child prepared dinner, cleaned the room, washed the dishes, for example, because December 19 is the holiday of obedience.
And the main stage that the child was waiting for was a gift under the pillow, but not necessarily there. Many families have a tradition of making boots for the holiday of St. Nicholas, in which there will be a surprise in the morning. What it will be – a toy, a sweet, a book, clothes – the parents and St. Nicholas know best. But what you should refrain from on the good holiday of St. Nicholas is children watching action films and computer games. It’s better to read a good book or chat with family. It’s also good to play with your little brothers and sisters. They were also waiting for the holiday.
