St. Nicholas Day

Today is St Nicholas Day. Some of us, who are born in the middle of Europe will still remember The tradition of St Nicholas coming in the evening and filling ups the stockings, but only if we were good. The excitement was amazing.

Actually the origin of Santa Claus begins in the 4th century with Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Myra. St. Nicholas was a generous man, particularly devoted to children. After his death around 340 A.D. he was buried in Myra, but in 1087 Italian sailors purportedly stole his remains and removed them to Italy, greatly increasing St. Nicholas' popularity throughout Europe, his kindness and reputation for generosity gave rise to claims he that he could perform miracles and devotion to him increased. St. Nicholas became the patron saint of Russia, where he was known by his red cape, flowing white beard, and bishop's mitre. The legend was kept alive in Holland where the Dutch spelling of his name Sint Nikolaas was eventually transformed to Sinterklaas. Dutch children would leave their wooden shoes by the fireplace, and Sinterklaas would reward good children by placing treats in their shoes. Dutch colonists brought brought this tradition with them to America in the 17th century and here the Anglican name of Santa Claus emerge.

Maybe we can fill up our St Nichola’s stockings with all the Recovery goods, like self-care, self-compassion…. I am sure we all deserve it, we all were very good…
What are you going to put in yours?