Don’t know what it is? Don’t celebrate it?
St. Nicholas of Myra lived in the early part of the last millennium. He was a bishop for the church and was known for his kindness to children. He left gold coins in socks hung out to dry for needy children. He was named a saint by the church in 343 A.D.
I learned about St. Nicholas Day when I was stationed in Germany, twice. The second time, I had two children, and we had fun adopting local customs. St. Nicholas day “stuck” for our family. In the U.S., German immigrants in the 1600s brought the holiday with them, so it does exist here in places where they settled.
How does it work in our household? We put out shoes on December 5th, and the kids wake up on the morning of the 6th, eager to see what was left. If they were good, they get gold “coins”—actually gold foil wrapped chocolates, or lumps of coal (also chocolate) in their shoes, along with little gifts. My daughter knows I’m a big kid at heart, so she has me leave out a shoe as well. I got chocolate Grinch kisses because I was good, but not that good. LOL. I also got fuzzy socks, pretty pens, and a lovely notebook. I was as thrilled as the kids who received toys.
So, there weren’t many folks who wanted to start a Krampus tradition in their house when I talked about it yesterday, but does St. Nicholas Day sound like a tradition you’d like to start? Something to jumpstart the “giving” season? Leave your answer in the comments for a chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card!
Comment
No but it sounds like fun sadly we don’t have kids in the house anymore until they visit with grandkids.
Comment
Sounds very interesting! I’m in!
Comment
No kids so not going to happen. However I’ve known the tradition for years and it is a great one to start with new families. Thank you for this reminder of how it is a giving season not just getting.
Comment
I did this when my son was younger but now I don’t have any littles at home anymore.
Comment
It sounds like a great tradition to do with the kids. Wish I knew this when my kids were younger.
Comment
You know what, I think this is another tradition that Christmas has appropriated.
“Stockings were hung by the chimney with care”
When did it become traditional that stockings were part of Christmas?
It was probably done by people who didn’t want to have to give gifts twice in a short time.
Comment
I would love to start this but I would have to also buy my sons new shoes just for this tradition. I couldn’t in good conscience even think of chocolates (even wrapped) being eaten if it was in one of their current shoes- even though I was their sneakers regularly. My 18 year old is a size 16 4E so finding him shoes that he likes and can wear is an expensive adventure all by itself.😉
Comment
This sounds like it would be fun if I had young children, but I no longer have any little ones. All I have now is a grown son and a grown granddaughter.
Comment
No little ones around… just a grumpy teen.
Comment
Sounds like fun although, my kids are out of the house.
Comment
We do shoes on epiphany eve for befana
Comment
St. Nicholas Day sounds rather wonderful. I could get behind this.
Comment
I love this idea! Wish I knew about it when my children were young as I would certainly do it. I love traditions.
Comment
maybe
Comment
It does sound wonderful. I shall talk to my daughter.
Comment
My grandkids would love this.
Comment
No little ones around right now.
I would try St. Nikolaas day. I’m Dutch descendant. Maybe with the Grandkids if I have any.
No krampus though.
Comment
It’s interesting but I don’t think we could make it stick after year one. It’s a challenge to get together at all.