Friday, December 05, 2008

Day 5: Set out shoes for Saint Nicholas.

Being a multi-cultural family gives us the benefit of extended Christmas traditions. December 5th is Saint Nicholas's Day. You may remember last year reading about the arrival of Sinterklaus in Scheveningen and the subsequent parade through The Hague. In Germany, Saint Nicholas comes during the night. That evening, children set out a boot (Nikolaus-Stiefel), often containing a carrot or other treat for his horse. If the child has been good, Saint Nicholas will fill the boot with treats (fruits, nuts, candies and/or small gifts). If the child hasn't been so good, the child will find a twig or coal instead. This will be our first year observing Saint Nicholas's Day, but I know it's a tradition we plan to keep.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

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Anonymous said...

Glad you celebrated Saint Nick! Sinterklaas was a big hit with Sophie this year, probably helped by the run up to it all at nursery school. To hear her singing the Dutch Sinterklaas songs was lovely and on the 5th good old Sint called by in the evening when Oma & Opa were here, leaving some presents at the back door. I think his retun next year will be eagerly anticipated!
Gayle x