St. Nicholas

St. Nicholas visited our house last night. He doesn't visit many homes in our area -- in fact, most people have not heard of him. So for those folks, here's a little history (courtesy of Wikipedia) of the tradition we continue to celebrate in our house.

"The tradition Saint Nicholas Day, usually on December 6, is a festival for children in many countries in Europe related to surviving legends of the saint, and particularly his reputation as a bringer of gifts."

"While feasts of Saint Nicholas are not observed nationally, cities with strong German influences like Milwaukee, Cincinnati, and St. Louis celebrate St. Nick's Day on a scale similar to the German custom.On the previous night, children put one empty shoe (or sock) outside, and, on the following morning of December 6, the children awake to find that St. Nick has filled their previously empty footwear with candy and small presents (if the children have been "good") or coal (if not). For these children, the relationship between St. Nick and Santa Claus is not clearly defined, although St. Nick is usually explained to be a helper of Santa."

Guess the boys have been good (even Storm got some treats).