St. Nicholas Day

Today is St. Nicholas Day (this link was the closest approximation I could find to how we actually celebrate the day). In the German tradition today is the day that children get presents from Santa Claus. Sometimes Santa and his slave (yes, SLAVE......German folklore and fairytales are BRUTAL) come to visit and interrogate you about your behavior, but its actually a much nicer experience than they way it sounds. You put your boots outside your door before you go to bed and in the morning you have gifts. Christmas is celebrated on the 24th and 25th, but it is much more of a religous holiday.

I have been talking up St. Nicholas Day to Mr. Little Man for a little while now (omitting the portion about the slave for obvious reasons)and he seemed a bit excited. He never tried to open any gifts before and he always ignores what is below the tree. This morning when I came out of the shower I heard the unmistakable sound of wrapping paper (WHY DOES EVERYTHING HAPPEN WHILE I'M IN THE SHOWER?). I found him sitting at the dining room table unwrapping gifts (not just his). All in all he had a really good morning.



Also, click here to read David Sedaris' brilliant story "Six to Eight Black Men" which describes the Dutch tradition of St. Nicholas Day.

What I am reading: Please see the above link
What I am listening to: Kate Havnevik - Unlike Me