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!

Comments

Company EIGHT said…
I love all the traditions your family celebrates--so fun.

Now I want some peppermint hot cocoa...yum!!
Ayak said…
We don't celebrate Christmas in Turkey, because it is predominantly Muslim. We had our main celebration which is Kurban Bayram, just before I left for England two weeks ago, when sheep are slaughtered on the first day and the meat shared with the poor. Followed by 4 days of family visits and celebrations. Of course I celebrate Christmas if I happen to be in England at the time.
I enjoyed your post, it's interesting to read how you have combined cultures and traditions.
Cole said…
Happy Holidays Kellyn! The St. Nicks are darling!
I loved the German Christmas traditions....we started the some living there and have continued Advent. Love your smiling boy smile! So precious!
Francesca said…
I just do Babbo Natale:) But this year, I'm going to try and celebrate at least some of the Advent.
Di said…
Happy holidays! I love the St Nicholas! They remind me of the Father Christmas' that lined our stairwell as a child - I had to say goodnight to everyone before I would go to bed!!
katy said…
Oh, these are just darling! They look so much better with a gold pipe cleaner. I *wish* I could have found some. You are on the ball with your cards and gifts. Whew. 8 ?!?! Teacher gifts? Are you crazy? At the school my girls attend we give a class gift. This year we're keeping it simple and giving a bottle of champagne (or cremant) to the teacher and one to the TA. Yes, giving alcohol to the teachers is perfectly fine here. Maybe they'll even have it on their lunch break :)

Happy St. Nicholas Day!
Arctic Mum said…
Oh my, have you decorated the tree already, and I thought I was early with the gifts even! Lots of preparations to do still...guess I'll get there in the end..
Unknown said…
Those are so cute, and it's so neat that you celebrate all of those traditions.
Dana said…
Hey! I'd love a bottle of champagne as a gift, Katy!

Kelleyn, our time in Stuttgart was very limited. In fact, we were there less than 24 hours and spent the time visiting our friend rather than the city, which is beautiful from what I did see. We did fit in one meal at a local restaurant where we had schnitzels and Christmas beer, and we did stop by Ritter Sport for a raid of the candy store -- fun. We hope to get back to the city some day! It was soooo cold and snowy!
D
Anonymous said…
I like your mix of traditions - it's great to have you a bit of both sides! and it would have been a bit sad if you dropped the Nikolaus :)

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