Nikolaustag

The boys' Oma and Opa (Joe's parents) share their German heritage traditions with the grandchildren by sending advent activites each year. Four weeks before Christmas they send advent calendars, puzzles, or books for the boys to do each day. And on December 6th, the boys celebrate The Feast of St. Nikolaus or Nikolaustag. On the eve of Dec. 6th, children put their shoes outside, under the bed, or on a windowsill in hopes of finding goodies from St. Nikolaus the next morning. During the night Sankt Nikolaus goes from house to house carrying a book in which all the children's deeds are written. If they have been good, he fills their shoe or boot with delicious sweets. If not, they may find potatoes, coal, or twigs.


So last night we had a slumber party at Aunt Rachel's house since both of our husbands were out of town. And since it was St Nikolaus-Abend (Eve) we had all the kids put their shoes out to test their veraciousness of naughty or nice. Paige lined the shoes up from smallest to biggest before bed. Then sure enough, in the morning their shoes were filled with gold coins, candy canes, and their favorite chocolates.