Imagine my surprise, when coming to the WPC office this morning, that outside of my door I find a bag full of goodies!  The attached note only had my name on it and from “St. Nick”.

As many know, St. Nicholas is the patron saint of children and is known the world over for his love, kindness and generosity.  There are many legends surrounding him.  The story goes that he was born of wealthy parents in an area that is now Turkey.  When he was a young boy, a deadly plague took the life of his parents.  He was devastated, gave all his money and possessions to charity, then set out to find a new home.

He made his way to the church and told them he came because he had no other home. Eventually he was elected the Bishop of Myra.  As the bishop he helped many poor people and often did so in secret, not expecting a thank-you.

Thus the idea of “secret Santa” probably came from the stories about St. Nicholas.  Legend or not, the idea of generosity, kindness, and gift-giving is important, not just in the Christmas season, but all year long.  Our world is in need of more kindness, humility, respect, tolerance, acceptance, and love for others. 

We ask St. Nicholas to help us in this busy season not to miss the opportunity to be kind to others; to be grateful for the little surprises that come our way; to open us to the miracle of the coming Emmanuel in these days of Advent longing. 

Happy St. Nicholas Day and thank you to my “gift giver.”

Barbara McMullen, CDP