Advent is a season of anticipation, hope, and preparation for the coming of Christ. It’s a time to cultivate prayer, reflection, and generosity within our families. One of the most beloved figures to guide children and adults through this season is St. Nicholas, the historical inspiration for Father Christmas.
To help your family enter the spirit of Advent, we’ve created a mini reading list, a liturgical family checklist, and a celebration guide for St. Nicholas’ feast day—plus a free digital download about St. Nicholas for children.
Why St. Nicholas Matters During Advent
St. Nicholas, a fourth-century bishop, is famous for his generosity and love for the poor. His example teaches that giving is not just about presents—it’s about reflecting Christ’s love in tangible ways such as almsgiving, giving to charity, volunteering, or helping a friend in need.
Traditional ways Catholic families celebrate St. Nicholas
- Place shoes out overnight on December 5th to be filled with small gifts or treats.
- Open small gifts or stockings on December 6th.
- Read stories about St. Nicholas to inspire generosity, kindness, and faithfulness.
These traditions provide an opportunity to connect children to the real saint behind the stories, reinforcing the Christian meaning of giving during Advent.
An Advent & Christmas Book List
While arranged by possible interest level, most of these books are delightful for adults and older children too.
Preschool & Early Elementary
- Saint Nicholas by Ann Tompert
This illustrated biography tells the story of Saint Nicholas, blending history and legend to celebrate his generosity and lasting influence on the spirit of Christmas.
- Saint Nicholas: The Real Story of the Christmas Legend by Julie Stiegemeyer
This picture book tells the true story of 4th-century Saint Nicholas, whose generosity and faith inspired the legend of Father Christmas.
- The Baker’s Dozen: A Saint Nicholas Tale by Aaron Shepard
A richly illustrated biography that blends legend and history to show how the real Saint Nicholas inspired the spirit of Christmas through generosity and faith.
- The Legend of Saint Nicholas by Anselm Grun
A child-friendly retelling of St. Nicholas’ life, miracles, and generosity, showing how his deeds inspired the tradition of giving.
- The Advent of Christmas by Matt Maher
This picture book introduces young children to the meaning of Advent, using simple text and beautiful illustrations to help them prepare their hearts for Jesus’ coming.
- Santa’s Favorite Story by Hisako Aoki
Santa teaches the forest animals the true meaning of Christmas by retelling the story of the first Nativity.
- Christmas in Heaven by Anthony DeStefano
Tenderly helps children understand death through a boy’s hopeful vision of his late grandmother celebrating Jesus’ birthday in Heaven with saints, including Saint Nicholas, and angels.
- The Light of Christmas Morning by Susan Joy Ballavance
Shows children how to keep Christ at the center of family Christmas traditions.
- My True Love Gave to Me: A Children’s Catechism for the Twelve Days of Christmas by Katie Warner
Teaches children ages 6–8 key Catholic truths and virtues through a rhyming retelling of the classic Christmas song.
- Bambinelli Sunday: A Christmas Blessing by Amy Welborn
A little boy learns about faith, generosity, and joy while preparing his own Nativity figure for blessing on Bambinelli Sunday.
- The First Christmas Stocking by Elizabeth Winthrop
A girl learns to turn her knitting into acts of generosity, sharing her “Christmas dreams” with those in need.
- The Miracle of Saint Nicholas by Gloria Whelan
This story shows how faith, hope, and miracles can endure quietly, even through decades of hardship and suppression.
- Santa’s Priority: Keeping Christ in Christmas by Tom Peterson
a beautifully illustrated story in which Santa reminds families that the true meaning of Christmas is celebrating Jesus, not the presents or parties.
Upper Elementary
- Letters from Father Christmas by J.R.R. Tolkien
Charmingly presents J.R.R. Tolkien’s festive letters and illustrations to his children, full of whimsical North Pole adventures and holiday humor for readers of all ages.
- Saint Nicholas: Patron Saint of Children by Pierre and Germain Noury
This beautifully illustrated book tells the true story and miracles of St. Nicholas, showing the saint behind the legend of Santa Claus.
- Saint Nicholas and the Nine Gold Coins by Jim Forest
This beautifully illustrated book reveals the true story of Saint Nicholas, showing how his generosity and faith transformed lives.
- The Real Santa Claus by Marianna Mayer
This book tells the life and times of St. Nicholas, the fourth-century Bishop of Myra who inspired the legend of Santa Claus.
Middle & High School
- Advent and Christmas Wisdom from St. John Paul II
Offers reflections on Advent and Christmas that inspire teens toward generosity. Other books by the same publisher featuring similar writings from other saints that families and older children can explore.
- The Road to Bethlehem: Daily Advent Meditations
Scripture-based meditations, guiding older children in reflecting on the true meaning of Christmas.
- St. Nicholas: A Closer Look at Christmas by Joe Wheeler and Jim Rosenthal
Examines the historical life and global traditions of St. Nicholas through rich illustrations and storytelling to reclaim his legacy as the source of the Santa Claus legend.
- The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis
A classic devotional emphasizing selflessness and a Christ-centered life, the heart of St. Nicholas’ virtue.
- The True Saint Nicholas: Why He Matters to Christmas by William J. Bennett
William J. Bennett explores the historical life of Saint Nicholas across seventeen centuries, revealing the real man whose devotion to God and generosity inspired the legend of Santa Claus.
Family Liturgical Checklist for Advent & St. Nicholas
1. Prepare Your Home
- Advent Wreath & Candles – Light one candle each week and recite a family prayer. For deeper engagement, light the wreath at dinner to foster discussion, reflection, and prayer. Conclude with Veni, Veni, Emmanuel.
- Nativity Scene / Crèche – Set up your Nativity at the start of Advent. Add the Christ Child on Christmas Eve.
- Advent Calendar or Jesse Tree – Highlight Scripture stories or daily reflections leading up to Christ’s birth.
2. Plan Family Devotions
- Daily Scripture & Prayer – Assign short readings from the Gospels or Advent reflections.
- Saint of the Day – Celebrate key feast days:
- Nov 30 – St. Andrew (begin St. Andrew Novena)
- Dec 6 – St. Nicholas (place shoes out, open gifts, read his story)
- Dec 8 – Immaculate Conception (attend Mass, pray to Mary)
- Dec 12 – Our Lady of Guadalupe (family prayer)
- Dec 13 – St. Lucy (light candles in honor of the feast of light)
- Traditional Devotions – Include the St. Andrew Novena, the Angelus, Rosary, or Luminous Mysteries reflecting on the Nativity.
3. Liturgical & Spiritual Activities
- Advent Confession – Schedule family or individual confession before Christmas.
- Christmas Novenas – Pray a novena to the Christ Child or participate in parish-led novenas.
- Attend Christmas Mass – Plan to attend a family Mass on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
- Charitable Acts – Perform acts of service with your family or donate to others in need, reflecting the Advent theme of giving.
Celebrate St. Nicholas and Advent Fully
By combining stories, saints, Scripture, and liturgical preparation, your family can experience Advent as a season of true spiritual growth and joyful anticipation. Explore our Advent & Christmas book list to read about the saint who inspires the spirit of giving and follow the liturgical checklist to immerse your family in the meaning of Advent and Christmas.
Don’t forget to download our free St. Nicholas digital resource—perfect for crafts, reading, or parish activities.
May this Advent season bring hope, joy, and the light of Christ into your home!
