Feast of St. Nicholas will be Dec. 5 in the Helvetia Community Hall. Dinner will be at 5:30 p.m. Those attending are asked to bring a covered dish and one wrapped child's gift.

Traditional Swiss Christmas cookies prepared by Peter Schaeffer from Zurich, Switzerland, will be served. Children will make Grittibanz, a traditional Swiss Dough Boy cookie, instructed by Schaeffer's wife, Patricia.

The story of St. Nicholas will be translated and read by Patricia Schaeffer. At 8 p.m., Helvetia's Star Band First Saturday Dance will begin and Santa will arrive at 9 p.m. to hand out gifts.

The Feast of St. Nicholas signals the "real" start of the Christmas season, according to a spokesperson. "Preserving Swiss tradition is tops here in Helvetia and we learn that Dec. 6 honors the memory of St. Nicholas, bishop in Asia Minor during the third century, a saint known for his generosity and good deeds.

"Little wonder that his memory developed into the legend of Santa Claus, the giver of Christmas presents," the spokesperson said. "Switzerland knows St. Nicholaus as Samichlaus, and he brings not Christmas presents but edible treats such as figs, peanuts, oranges, chocolates and sweet bread. Traditionally these were exotic items that were normally not available in most families."