Church Potluck: A Smorgasbord of Christian Curiosity
A Smorgasbord of Christian Curiosity! Church Potluck serves up thoughtful, friendly, informal conversation at the intersection of Christianity and contemporary culture. Just like a church potluck, we offer variety: a variety of topics, a variety of academic disciplines, and a variety of Christian traditions. Guests are friends and colleagues who are also experts in the fields of sociology, political science, theology, philosophy, divinity, and more.
Church Potluck: A Smorgasbord of Christian Curiosity
ADVENT DAY 7: The Saint Nicholas Shoe Tradition and Anonymous Generosity (2 of 3)
In this second St. Nicholas episode of the Church Potluck Advent Calendar, Dr. Jordan Rowan Fannin returns to share how her family has built meaningful Christmas traditions rooted not in Santa Claus, but in the real fourth-century bishop who inspired him. Jordan describes how her family celebrates St. Nicholas Day—complete with shoes outside the door—and how the saint’s character shapes the way they give: locally, anonymously, repeatedly, and in ways that honor the dignity of others. Along the way, she offers practical wisdom for parents navigating the Santa conversation, plus a charming story about her daughter sharing the story of the real St. Nick. It’s a thoughtful and heartwarming look at how reclaiming this ancient tradition can reshape the season for families today.
The views expressed on Church Potluck are solely those of the participants and do not represent any organization.
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