Punch a Heretic Day

I wrote this two years ago.

Today being the feast day of Saint Nicholas I was thinking about how cool it would be to go to the Mall dressed as this 4th century saint. To sit on the chair normally reserved for that cheap-imitator Santa (talk about identity theft), but to also take on some of his traditions. When children tell you what they want you could rebuke them for their materialism and to urge them to pray for the salvation of themselves and others and that they should work on a virtue that they lack. Remind that that while ole St. Nicholas doesn't actually keep a list of those who are naughty and nice there is a Lamb's Book of Life that they do want to get listed in. That if they do not obtain this they will get more than a lump of coal, but a eternal fire no doubt heated by more than just one lump of coal. Of course getting forcibly escorted out by Mall security as you left a trail of crying children might not be such a good idea.

Another thing is that the idea of a bishop promising gifts to children who sit on his lap must surely violate the Dallas norms and the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.

There is also the legend that the real Bishop Nicholas punched Arius at the council of Nicea. So to commemorate this feast why not make -

Bishop Saint Nicholas Punch

To decorate the punch bowl, make a wreath out of rosemary, mint, holly leaves and berries.

3-4 Seville oranges (smooth-skinned)
1-2 lemons, sliced
1 quart apple cider
½ cup raisins
1 teaspoon cloves
¼ cup sugar or brown sugar
1 teaspoon mace
1 teaspoon nutmeg