We tell our children Santa Claus is pretend, but we don't forbid Santa stories or images in our house - so long as they don't distract from the true meaning of Christmas. But even if your kids think Santa is real, they can benefit greatly from knowing the true story of St. Nicholas, a man who focused on sharing God's love all year long. Too, waiting for Christmas can be one long, exhausting struggle for young children. And if you find Christmas day feels over-filled, spreading out your celebration a little can make everyone feel more relaxed and focused on Christ.

One way to teach your kids about St. Nicholas, ease their excitement for Christmas, and make Christmas a month-long focus on Christ is to celebrate St. Nicholas Day on December 6th. Supposedly the real man's day of death, on St. Nick's Day children have historically set their shoes by the front door at bedtime - often with a snack (cookies for Nick or a carrot for his horse). In the morning, their shoes contain a special treat. Often gold foil wrapped chocolate coins are included - a reminder of how the real St. Nicholas made three girl's lives more pleasant by sneaking dowry money into their shoes late one night. If you don't want to give your kids sweets, you could replace the chocolate coins with a book, crayons, or a small gift - even if it's just from the Dollar Tree. To help you teach about the real St. Nicholas, there are a number of helpful books available, including Saint Nicholas by Julie Stiegemeyer and The Legend of St. Nicholas by Dandi Daley Mackall. Or learn more about the man at the Saint Nicholas Center.