St. Nicholas
Generosity, Wisdom, Service
Celebrated by Early Childhood, Elementary and Middle School Grades.
Through the centuries many stories and legends have been told of St. Nicholas' life and deeds. These accounts help us understand his extraordinary character and why he is so beloved and revered as protector and helper of those in need. Some of the stories tell of Nicholas saving his people from famine, sparing the lives of those innocently accused, and much more. He did many kind and generous deeds in secret, expecting nothing in return. Within a century of his death he was celebrated as a saint. He is known as the friend and protector of all in trouble or need.
“(Saint Nicholas) is an archetypal figure of heavenly wisdom and is the forerunner of Santa Claus, whose very name is reminiscent of St. Nicholas. Santa Claus, however, is a more earth-bound, incarnated figure who dwells with elves in the North Pole. Though he, too, is full of love for the children, his gifts are more of a material nature, even though he comes on Christmas Eve, a time of profound spiritual giving. One can understand how he arose in our more materialistic, secular age, and one can hold him a positive way for the sake of the children who love him so, but one can also create a place in the Advent season to bring the original St. Nicholas to the children.” -An Overview of the Waldorf Kindergarten - by Joan Almon.
The children walk into the school and find magical shimmery paths. They then find their shoes neatly arranged with mandarins, nuts, and other treasures inside, gifts of St. Nicholas
Symbolism: Golden Nuts. Clementine’s. Jingle Bells. Star cookies. Golden Coins.
Verse:
Kind old man, St. Nicholas dear,
come to our house this year
pray put something in my shoe.
I’ve been good the whole year through
Here’s some straw and here’s some hay
for your little donkey grey
Kind old man, St. Nicholas dear,
come to our house this year.