5 Easy Activities to Celebrate Saint Nicholas Day
- Faith
- Dec 4
- 4 min read
“Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” (Hebrews 13:16)
Saint Nicholas Day on December 6th offers a wonderful chance to teach children about generosity, kindness, and faith through fun and meaningful activities. As a Christian parent, I find this day a perfect moment to remember the real Saint Nicholas, whose faith deeply shaped his life of giving and caring for others. His story inspires us to share love and joy with those around us, especially during the holiday season.
In this post, I will share five easy crafts and a simple recipe to celebrate Saint Nicholas Day with your family. Each activity connects to the spirit of Saint Nicholas and helps children understand how faith can guide us to care for others.
Remembering Saint Nicholas and His Faith
Saint Nicholas was a bishop in the 4th century known for his secret gifts to those in need. His faith in Jesus Christ motivated him to help the poor and protect children. One famous story tells how he saved three sisters from poverty by secretly providing dowries, allowing them to marry and avoid a life of hardship.
Hebrew 13:16 reminds us that giving and caring for others is an act of worship and faith. Saint Nicholas Day is a chance to live out this teaching with our children.
1. Make a Saint Nicholas Paper Doll
Creating a Saint Nicholas paper doll is a simple craft that helps children visualize the saint’s role as a caring bishop. Use red and white paper to make his robe and hat, and add a small bag to represent the gifts he gave.
Materials needed:
Colored paper (red, white, gold)
Scissors
Glue
Markers or crayons
Steps:
Cut out a simple doll shape from white paper.
Glue on a red robe and a bishop’s hat made from red and gold paper.
Draw a kind face and add details like a beard.
Attach a small paper bag or pouch to represent the gifts Saint Nicholas gave.
This craft encourages children to talk about Saint Nicholas’s generosity and faith.
2. Fill Shoes with Treats
A beloved tradition on Saint Nicholas Day is to leave shoes or stockings out overnight to be filled with small gifts or treats. This custom comes from the story of Saint Nicholas secretly leaving coins in shoes.
How to do it:
Have your children place one shoe by the door or fireplace before bedtime.
Fill the shoes with nuts, fruits, chocolate coins, or small toys.
In the morning, enjoy the surprise together and talk about the joy of giving.
This activity teaches children about the joy of unexpected kindness.
3. Create a Giving Tree
A giving tree is a simple way to encourage children to think about how they can help others. Use a small branch or a paper tree on the wall. Use a Sharpie pen to write acts kindness ideas onto blank colored card ornaments and hang them onto the tree. Each day, pick an act of kindness to complete together.
Ideas for ornaments:
Donate toys or clothes
Help a neighbor with chores
Write a thank-you note to someone
Pray for a friend in need
Prepare a care package for someone in need
Give to a food pantry
Send a postcard or letter to distant friends or family
Each day leading up to or after Saint Nicholas Day, pick an ornament and complete the act of kindness together.
4. Bake Saint Nicholas Cookies
Baking cookies shaped like Saint Nicholas or simple stars is a fun way to celebrate. This recipe is easy and uses common ingredients.
Ingredients:
2 ½ cups flour
1 cup sugar
1 cup butter (softened)
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp baking powder
Icing and sprinkles for decoration
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix butter and sugar until creamy.
Add egg and vanilla, mix well.
Combine flour and baking powder, then add to wet ingredients.
Roll out dough and cut into shapes (Saint Nicholas, or stars).
Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are golden.
Let cool and decorate with Christmas icing and sprinkles.
While baking, remind children of Saint Nicholas’s kindness and how sharing treats can brighten someone’s day.
5. Saint Nicholas Coloring and Scissor Skills
Improve your younger children's fine motor skills through coloring and scissor skills:
Easy resources:
As they craft, you could read aloud the story of Saint Nicholas to instil the truth behind the legend: Saint Nicholas: The Real Story of the Christmas Legend
Bringing Saint Nicholas Day to Life
Saint Nicholas Day is more than just a fun holiday. It is a chance to teach children about faith in action—how belief in Jesus leads to caring for others. These activities help children understand the real story behind the tradition and inspire them to live with generosity.
By making crafts, sharing treats, and practicing kindness, your family can celebrate Saint Nicholas Day in a way that honors his legacy and strengthens your children’s faith.
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