Our first Saint Nicholas Day!

As I lean more into learning more about the liturgical year and adding in traditions to our home that center us in Christ, I am in awe at how the Lord just gives us little touch points and blessings and Saint Nicholas Day will forever be one who calls remembrance to my father in-law, our very own Saint Nicholas to be remembered.

Tomorrow, December 6th, 2025 , is Saint Nicholas day. But it’s also the day of my father in-law’s memorial service. He passed away a few weeks ago in a whirlwind of pancreatic cancer. It’s still a shock to all of our family and quite often I find myself muttering, “I just can’t believe it.” But as we’ve gathered close together with family over this time, so many stories have bubbled up and I can’t wait for them to be passed on to our children, specifically about how humbly my father in-law gave undetected to those around him. Stories that once you know? Immediately all I can think of is Saint Nicholas himself.

It was a giving to freely give, not expect anything in return, but to be a blessing to someone else, truly. Funding kids expenses to be able to be missionaries, attend school trips, church giving that blessed not only the recipient but all the lives those people changed, too. A gift.  And as we read about Saint Nicholas tonight giving gold coins for dowries many, many years ago, I am excited to tag along a real life example of such giving to our kids.

As we start the tradition of golden coins in our boots and oranges to enjoy together, I hope it will be a time of year they can call remembrance to Grandpa, too, as I’ve a whole new appreciation for both men

alike.