Happy St. Nick's!

In our family (well, my family on my mother's side) we've always celebrated today as the Feast of Saint Nick. In honor of the predecessor to Santa Claus, our children put out their stockings on the night of the 5th, and dig their goodies out of them on the 6th. Some, more religious families, take this day to honor the saint through prayer and teaching, but for us it's always been a day of fun, a beloved family tradition and an excuse to parade new Christmas themed pencils, socks and hair-ties before our non-St. Nick-celebrating schoolmates. Getting to eat chocolate for breakfast was pretty great, too. The 6th marks the true beginning of our family's holiday season. This year, the Feast of St. Nicholas falls on a weekend, which leaves the whole day for my kids and their cousins to happily lug their loot around (instead of having to wistfully set them aside in order to don boots and backpacks.) I am thoroughly enjoying their enjoyment and remembering my mom and all of the little ways that she made me feel special. Today I wish for everyone, regardless of their faith or creed, love and joy and the evidence of abundant generosity in their lives. Happy Holidays!