Since many of our American traditions started here in Europe particularly Germany, we are learning some of the subtle differences between our Holiday traditions and that of our European neighbors. We recently took the kids to a work Christmas party where the children where able to sit on Santa’s knee. They loved this.
This last weekend we went to Koblenz to a much bigger Christmas market than the one in our little village. Here our children were introduced to St. Nicholas. This man came and give each of our three children candy. Because he doesn’t look quite like our Santa they were a little more apprehensive but still welcomed the treat.
We have tried to incorporate the German St Nicholas Day holiday into our traditions, but I don’t think until they finally meet St. Nicholas did they realize there was a difference between the two figures.
St Nicholas Day is December 6. On the eve of St Nicholas Day the children leave their shoes on the doorstep where St Nicholas leaves them some fruit or candy and small presents. Christmas day is reserved for when the Christ child visits.
