Sunday, December 6, 2015

Who was Saint Nicholas?

I am not one, and have never been one, to make Saint Nicholas (Santa Claus) the focus of the Christmas Season. Jesus Christ is the focus of the season here at my house and in our hearts. I always told my kids that it isn't Santa Claus that watches them to see if they have been good but that it is Jesus that watches them to see if they have been good and then HE reports back to his friend Santa. I know that sounds silly but I didn't want to leave Santa out of Christmas altogether because of the traditional (and historical) significance of who he was. Since his birthday is  December 6th, I thought I would do a quick post about this Saint using some of my ornaments, ephemera and other misc items.


The following is an excerpt from the book "Victorian Family Traditions" by Sarah Ban Breathnach.

Nicholas, the Bishop of Myra in Asia Minor, was said to have lived around A.D. 325. He was well-beloved for his compassion and generosity, mysteriously providing food, warm clothing, and even bags of gold for the needy.
Legend has it that St. Nicholas, riding his white horse down from heaven, pays nocturnal visits to children on the eve of his birthday to prepare their hearts for the coming of the Christ Child.


Below are a few more pieces of antique ephemera from my collection. I think the postcard depicts such a sweet gentle looking Saint Nicholas. The piece in front of the sleigh depicts a bit of a grouch I think. :)


This is a reproduction gift bag that I couldn't pass up for free at one of our sales.


And here are a few of my Victorian looking Saint Nicolas ornaments.


Isn't the Saint Nick with the fur a funny looking guy?


I am off work through December so I will be posting more Christmas as I get it done. Thanks so much for your visit and have a blessed day!

Thank you to Bernideen for featuring my Stepback Cupboard and dishes on her Tea Party blog last week.
And to Patti over at What's It Wednesday for also featuring that post.

This week I will be joining the following parties...
AMAZE ME MONDAY with Cindy
FRIENDS SHARING TEA with Bernideen
NO PLACE LIKE HOME with Sandi
TUESDAYS AT OUR HOME with Maria Elena
LET'S TALK VINTAGE with Jillian
HOME AND GARDEN THURSDAY with Kathy
HOME SWEET HOME with Sherry
FEATHERED NEST FRIDAY with Courtney
WHAT'S IT WEDNESDAY with Patti
SHARE YOUR CUP THURSDAY with Jann
SHOW AND TELL FRIDAY with Cindy

21 comments:

  1. Hello Gina
    I always love stopping in for my Victorian fix.... Merry Christmas to you & yours...

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  2. I enjoy putting the focus on Christ too for Christmas. I posted Santa's on my blog post last week; they were all from a yard sale. It was fun displaying them and knowing that some of them represent our families heritage. I like your Santa's you shared today and will look forward to seeing more of your Victorian Christmas.

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  3. I so agree.
    Thanks so much for sharing at AMAZE ME MONDAY!
    Blessings,
    Cindy

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  4. We always celebrate St. Nicholas Day at Lnderhof. You have some wonderful pieces!

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  5. Loved all the pictures! You always show such neat stuff!

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  6. As always, I am very impressed by your collection of Christmas antiques and collectibles.
    A book is in your future.

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  7. You have a splendid St. Nicholas collection. I can't wait to see more. Enjoy your time off from work and have fun decorating!

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  8. Gina All of those St Nichols are all so pretty and I had never heard the story about the horse riding Santa
    I love the gift bag with the little dolls or children.
    You always have such pretty things to show us .
    Yes Jesus is the reason for this season

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  9. Gina:
    I read on Janice's blog about you 2 going out for a fun day! Your decorations here are wonderful. I agree, Jesus is the reason for the season and isn't He being suppressed everywhere. I enjoyed your posting!

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  10. Jesus was always the center of our home too, Gina. He is the reason we celebrate. St Nicolas was a wonderful and compassionate man, I think, but he must never be given the glory and honour that our Lord deserves. You have some wonderful pieces and thank you for sharing with us. Hope you have a splendid week!

    Christmas blessings,
    Sandi

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  11. Thank you for sharing! I too agree Jesus is our focus! Have a blessed week. Lynn

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  12. Thank you for the interesting post, Gina. I also enjoyed seeing your Victorian Santas.

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  13. A question I never thought to ask. So interesting, Gina.
    Amalia
    xo

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  14. I found your blog on Jillian's Bella Rosa Antiques Let's Talk Vintage. Your post is perfect for a link party I co-host on Thursday's named Vintage Charm. I would love it if you linked up this post and any other vintage themed posts on Thursday at http://bluewillowhouse.com. Thanks sb

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  15. My favorite St.Nicolas items are the Victorian ones. So nostalgic of an old fashioned Christmas

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  16. Interesting story about St. Nicolas. You have a fun collection of different depictions of St. Nicolas.
    Mary Alice

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  17. Thanks so much for this interesting post! I didn't realize he lived around 325 A.D.
    Thank you for sharing it with let's talk vintage!

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  18. Gina, I've always enjoyed the legend of St. Nick. You have a lovely collection. Thank you for sharing it. Merry Christmas!

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  19. What a fun collection. The Victorians really invented the modern-day idea of Santa. I always read my children the story of St. Nicholas on December 6 when they were growing up, and how he gave gifts because of his love for our Lord.

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  20. Gina,
    I have always loved the story of St. Nicholas. We have many people of German descent in this area who, on December 6th, The Feast Day of St. Nick, put out their children's shoes at night and a toy is left in the shoes by St. Nick in the morning.
    I alos have that same book!!

    Hugs,
    Deb

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  21. I love both Jesus and Santa and like the idea that they are friends! The Santa with the fur certainly did make me smile! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

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