December 5th
The wonderment of the holiday season continues. St. Nick’s night is mainly celebrated in the Midwest. That is especially true near its German and Dutch enclaves of old. I remember it well. It amounted to a sneak peek of Christmas. It was dark outside very early and so there was mystique to hanging a stocking even if bedtime was 8 or 8:30. St. Nicholas was the patron saint of children. Noted for being generous, a tradition arose that he’d leave gifts for kids the night before his saint day.
Thus, to verify that myths are true, we were up and at it the next morning. ( An early rising ritual that did not take full root during Papa’s adulthood.) It also was practice for Santa and the Easter Bunny. And, not to be overlooked, for the dime toting tooth fairy. St. Nick filled the stockings with huge naval oranges, popcorn balls and unshelled nuts. All stuffed inside a stocking rimmed with candy canes. A grand tradition that led to many memorable mornings.
Establishment of a tradition within the family is a good thing. It does not matter if stockings or wooden shoes are involved or if its trinkets, candy or whatever that is found inside. A child enjoys anticipation and the surprise of discovery. When you are an adult never forget to nourish the spirit of children.
You left out one thing. We have no nutcracker at our house. A bunch of nuts in my stocking but no access. Guess what is now on my Christmas list?