Next week, people around the world will celebrate the Feast of Saint Nicholas. Known in the Netherlands as Sinterklaas, the Catholic bishop Nicholas of Myra died on December 6th. Each year on this date, gifts are exchanged in memory of the example set by the generous bishop Nicholas.
But, who was the real St. Nick? While many stories and legends surround his life, few facts are known. What we do know is Nicholas was a bishop who lived in Myra. Born into a wealthy family, he was taught about God as a child. A young man when both his parents died, Nicholas gave away their wealth and joined the priesthood. His acts of generosity and bravery are legendary. Today he is lovingly remembered as the pre-cursor to our modern-day Santa Claus.
Share the story of St. Nicholas with your family today.
I may be compensated for purchases made using the affiliate links below.
1. The Story of Saint Nicholas: More Than Reindeer and a Red Suit
Cheryl Odden
The story and legends of Saint Nicholas, bishop of Myra.
1979, Voice of the Martyrs
ISBN: 978-0882640044 Hardcover ages 3-7
2. The Legend of Christmas: An Untold Story of the Real St. Nicholas
Theresa White
The story of Nicholas, bishop of Myra, who despite persecution did not waver in his faith. This book tells of his bravery and generosity which laid the foundations for the modern Santa.
2022, Living Parables
ISBN: 978-1953114822 Paperback 38 pages ages 8-14 years
3. Saint Nicholas the Giftgiver: The History and Legends of the Real Santa Claus
Neil Bustard
Examines the reason behind gift-giving, connecting modern day Santa with the ancient bishop St. Nicholas.
2021, IVP Kids
ISBN: 978-1514001806 Hardcover 32 pages ages 3-7 years
4. The Legend of St. Nicholas: A Story of Christmas Giving
Dandi Daley Mackall
While shopping for last-minute Christmas gifts with his father, young Nick overhears the store Santa telling the true story of St. Nicholas.
2014, Zonderkidz
ISBN: 978-0310731153 Hardcover, Kindle 32 pages ages 3-7 years
5. The Legend of Saint Nicholas (Incredible Lives for Young Readers)
Anselm Grun
Focuses on the many stories, legends, and miracles attributed to bishop Nicholas of Myra.
2014, Eerdmans Books for Young Readers
ISBN: 978-0802854346 Hardcover 26 pages ages 4-8 years
6. The True Saint Nicholas: Why He Matters to Christmas
William J. Bennett
Recounts the known history of Nicholas of Myra, and the legends which developed over the years.
2018, Howard Books
ISBN: 978-1982107567 Hardcover, Kindle 128 pages ages 12+
7. Saint Nicholas and the Nine Gold Coins
Jim Forest
The history of St. Nicholas in story form.
2015,St. Vladimir’s Seminary
ISBN: 978-0881415117 Hardcover 32 pages ages 3-7 years
8. The Saint Nick Story
Kate Davis
The history and legends of St. Nicholas and the myth of Santa Claus in rhyme.
2018,
ISBN: 978-1543944839 Paperback 28 pages ages 5-7 years
9. Saint Nicholas: The Wonderworker (Mr. Baker’s Book)
Andrew Votipka
The history and legends of St. Nicholas and the myth of Santa Claus in rhyme.
2020, Independently Published
ISBN: 979-8574685655 Paperback, Kindle 120 pages ages 8 years & up
Author, thank you very much. If you please, make the font on the blog slightly larger. And then the eyes already hurt.
Hi! Thank you for bringing this to my attention, I will fix the font size to make it easier to read.