Honoring the Spirit of Saint Nick

My first Santa sighting of the year happened. At the barber shop.

Christmas is in the air—as it has been since the day after Halloween.

It’s beginning to look (and sound, and smell, and feel) like Christmas. It’s not even December yet.

During a recent children’s message at church, I asked the kids who the different people were that made up the nativity scenes that are on display.

After listing the shepherds, wise men, Mary and Joseph, and of course the baby Jesus, one brave child piped up and suggested, “Santa Claus.”

Now, before you go suggesting that this is a #pastorfail, it’s also important that you know it was one of my own kids. #parentfail

While Saint Nicholas wasn’t at the first Christmas, his impact on the season is an important one.

Saint Nicholas of Myra, a bishop during the Roman Empire who was known for his generosity to children, died on December 6, 346.

December 6 is remembered as Saint Nicholas Day because, as the legend goes, St. Nick placed coins for children in their socks that were hung out to dry. Nicholas sold his possessions to give gifts and to help the poor. He became the Patron Saint of Children because of his compassion towards young children.

Saint Nicholas Day made its way to the Americas with German immigrants in the 1600s. For those who celebrate this early December tradition, kids receive small gifts like chocolate, oranges, or candy canes. Kids are encouraged to write letters to St. Nicholas and leave carrots or grass for their horse.

Generosity and giving are tied to the memory of St. Nicholas. The traits associated with Santa Claus are closely aligned with the behaviors and Spirit of St. Nick.

Consumerism and an overabundance of all things Christmas might feel like they’ve taken over the entire month of December (and November, and maybe a little October). But it doesn’t have to be that way.

We can honor the Spirit of Saint Nick by changing our outlook on what is being asked of us.

There are many opportunities presented to be generous. Many are small and will go unnoticed. Yet these asks are important.

Many stores ask for a small donation or to round up to the nearest dollar to a charity that helps others—like St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, veterans, toys, and hunger organizations at the grocery store.

When I walk into stores, I hear the ringing of bells for the Salvation Army, whose mission is to meet human needs in the name of Jesus without discrimination.

Toys for Tots, grocery bags filled with items for the food shelf, and volunteer shifts to serve meals in the community. Singing Christmas carols. Delivering baked goods or mailing cards with smiling faces and holiday greetings.

Tis the season for giving.

I’m trying to say yes as much as possible when asked. I know that these small donations, on their own, won’t solve any of the issues being addressed. But when I give, I have a feeling I’m not alone. We are all collectively responding to the needs.

You could say that each one of us is just a little bit like old Saint Nicholas.

Ho Ho Ho… I hope you celebrate this holiday accordingly by generously caring for others this season and beyond.  

Pastor John Klawiter is the senior pastor of Faith Lutheran Church, an ELCA congregation in Forest Lake. For more information, email him at