St. Nicholas Day!

Dec. 6-St. Nicholas day! I remember growing up and hearing my mom talk about St Nicholas day. She always spoke fondly of the memories she had as a child and when St. Nicholas would come to visit. She was a kid of the 1930's so she grew up in much simpler times and in the depression era. She told me about St. Nick leaving small treats in their shoes, fresh oranges (fresh fruit this time of year back then was limited), a big chief writing pad and a peppermint stick (candy cane) and other trinkets which were a treat back in those days. These memories mom would share always put a smile on her face and I loved hearing them.

St. Nick never came to our house when I was a kid. I'm not sure why my mom didn't continue her childhood tradition but she did not for my older sibling sand myself.

So when I started my family I decided to bring my mom's St. Nick's day tradition to my yearly holiday family traditions. I modified it a bit. I wanted to make it something my kids would remember...so "St. Nick" would leave candy, fruit and a christmas tree ornament in my kids shoes or slippers. My hope was to give my kids something they would have in the future and give them a good memory from their childhood, like my mom had-thus the reason for the ornaments. I've never been on the receiving end of St. Nicholas day I've only delivered the gifts and I hope that those who have received my St. Nick day gifts have enjoyed them and it has created special memories! I love doing it!

Some years St. Nick's day would creep up on me and I'd scramble to get his trinkets in their shoes. As the kids have grown up and moved away St. Nick often put's his gifts in with mailed Christmas presents or is delivered at Christmas time with the rest of the presents! Regardless, if I've forgotten a St. Nick's day it was purely because I was too busy and/or spaced it off ( I do think maybe he delivered late a time or two!)!! But my hope was to make a memory for my kids, give them something that each year as adults when they take out their christmas tree ornaments they'd remember the day and the simple gifts of St. Nick, plus it gave them all a basis for their own Christmas trees as grownups. I tried to do a theme with the kids ornament,  Ryan would often get fishing, Cubs or sports ornaments while Ashlyn would have dancing, angels or crystals themed decorations and Ranen would find sports, nut crackers or Yankees ornaments in his shoes. I've since added significant others, now spouses to this tradition. The St. Nick gifts now are an ornament each, and a bag of candy for the couple to share. My goal with the ornaments is to try to find something that represents a happy and good memory for each.

So on this day of giving, before the holiday rush gets too wild and crazy my hope is that we remember the small, simple, thoughtful gifts that we get in life, not just today but everyday all throughout the year and appreciate the spirit in which they are given. A happy and blessed St. Nicholas day to all.