Immaculate Conception

I sure hope you all went to Mass today, after all, it is a holy day of obligation.  I meant to share this wonderful coloring page I found.  I used it in my second grade RE class to explain what the Immaculate Conception is.  So go to Catholic Icing for a copy and print it out for you kids or your RE Class.  It is sweet and I am so happy I found it.  It is the best physical way I've found to explain the concept to seven year olds. 

    

St. Nicholas Day--December 6

One of my favorite feasts of the year is that of St. Nicholas--the man who would become Santa Claus.  His generosity to the poor and his care for children seems naturally to have morphed into the Santa Claus stories of today.  His is a wonderful, fun, and inspiring story. 

Read the Children's version (great for adults, to) on The Real Santa Claus by Carol Myers by clicking on the title or go here for an adult version.
   
Go here for a St. Nicholas' Day Blessing by Thomas G. Simons as a wonderful addition to your regular advent prayer routine.  .

For online games and activities for kids go here: 

For some really wonderful printable activities for kids go here.

For some really fun crafts to make a St. Nicholas figure, including one from chocolate go here.

Celebrate this wonderful saint who was the figure behind the legend of Santa Claus. 

Feast day:  December 6.

On a more personal note, it is the day we celebrate new life for my oldest son.  He was diagnosed with type 1 (juvenile) diabetes on St. Nicholas day, 2006.  At one time in the not too distant past, it would have been a death sentence.  With the wonders of modern medicine (insulin) and modern medical technology (insulin pump the size of a cell phone) he can live a relatively normal life.  God gave him this cross for a reason we don't know yet, but we celebrate God's gift of life to him and us.