Waiting for St. Nicholas

Shortly after my husband and I had our first child, we sat down and talked about what holiday traditions we were going to pass on to our children. My husband is from Germany celebrated Advent, St. Nicholas, and the Christ Child. What we came up with was we would celebrate Advent, St. Nicholas, and the Christ Child but that the Christ Child would leave the gifts while we were sleeping instead of the middle of the afternoon on the 24th. While the Christ Child tends to get mixed with Santa Clause our children get the best of both cultures. St Nicholas is coming on Monday which is December 6th. He usually leaves a small gift, fruit, and nuts. He has a counterpart called Ruprecht Knecht who if the child is naughty leaves sticks and coal. When I saw this St. Nicholas craft on Katy's blog, I rushed out and got the supplies. The children had so much fun making them. Now I am sipping peppermint hot cocoa and listening to Christmas music as I finish the last of the Christmas cards. I ordered the cards yesterday from Costco and made a marathon of about 6 hours last night. Now I just need to put the letters in the envelope and get the stamps at the post office. I also got 4 of the 8 teacher gifts out the door. I am starting to feel like I can relax now. Just need to do the cookies for the neighbors and doctors and yahoo it is time to celebrate. How about you? Are you ready for Christmas? Happy Hanukkah to all those out there who celebrate Hanukkah!