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The Real Santa by Jennifer Pavia, Director of Children's Ministries The real Santa Claus lived a long time ago in a place called Asia Minor, which is now the country of Turkey. His name was Nicholas. His parents were very rich, so they always bought him lots of toys. Nicholas was so kind that he gave them all away to children who didn't have any. When he grew up he gave away everything he had, and spent his life working and praying. Nicholas lived in a monastery with others who liked to help people. He always tried to help secretly and didn't want any attention or thanks. He told those he helped to thank God, not him. Years passed and he was chosen to be a bishop. Bishops look after their people as shepherds look after their sheep, and that is what Nicholas did. All his life he showed people how to love God and care for each other. People loved Nicholas. After he died, they told stories of the good and kind things he did. Some of the stories were about his special care helping and protecting children. He is an example of how we should live, and that is why he became a saint. This is the story of the real Santa Claus, St. Nicholas. To this day people say that St. Nicholas is the special friend of children. Join your family and friends at St. Augustine's this year for a pancake breakfast to celebrate the life and good deeds of St. Nicholas. Choose a gift from the Susan Tree so you can give in secret too. (see "Christmas Gifts for At-Risk Children" article in this issue). We'll have children's crafts, a bake sale, and, of course, a visit from St. Nicholas himself. He helps us remember that Christmas isn't a time of getting, as it is a time of giving. Breakfast with St. Nicholas Saturday, December 1 8:30-10:30 am Admission is $5 for adults, kids under age 12 are free (tickets available in the bookstore) Sign up to volunteer on the patio. Copyright © 2007 St. Augustine by-the-Sea
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