Happy St. Nicholas Day, a holiday celebrated by many Catholics. St. Nicholas Day is a special day in many European countries, especially in Germany.Traditionally St. Nicholas visits the homes of children and leaves treats if they're good. If they're bad, they get a visit from Ruprecht, who is in charge of discipline. Ruprecht carries chains and a strap and disciplines naughty children. The St. Nicholas Center has a lot of information about how the holiday is celebrated in various countries. My husband Walter, who was born in the Bavarian section of Germany, tells the tale that he frequently got visited by Ruprecht on St. Nicholas Day. The photo at the left is from the St. Nicholas Center.
Growing up in St. Louis, we always celebrated St. Nicholas Day but never got a visit from Ruprecht. Mostly we found a candy cane or candy bar in our shoes. Last night Michael and Cari put out their shoes--actually Michael put out his size 13 Nikes and a pair of tall boots--Cari just put out her boots. This morning everyone, including Walter, and Harley our black Lab got treats.
Now, for a winner. Last week I announced a giveaway of the book A Cup of Comfort for Christmas, which has my true story, "Santa Wore Cowboy Boots." Thanks to everyone who left a comment--all 13 of you! The name picked at random to win the book is . . . drum roll, please . . .
SALLY
So, Sally, if you will please e-mail me at dvolkenannt (at) charter.net I will make arrangements to send the book to you.
I'm going to announce another giveaway later this week, so if you didn't win this go around, you might have luck next time.
Last, and certainly not least, I want to welcome all my new followers who signed up over the last month: Lynn, Sally, Jenny, Stacy Sue, Underground Teacher, Al Walker, and Sara. Welcome. I hope you stop by often.
And to all my faithful blog followers, thank you!
Little treats left in shoes? That sounds like fun. Thanks for dropping by the blog today. Much appreciated!
ReplyDeleteCongrats to Sally! And Happy St. Nicholas to you, too, Donna!
ReplyDeleteHey thanks! I'll look forward to reading your story.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to Sally:))
ReplyDeleteWhen I was little I liked to read about all the customs of other countries and backgrounds. I find it is still just as fascinating as then. What fun! (But with three enormous teen-age boys...not to mention the rest...I'm glad I don't have to fill all those huge shoes! Stockings are bad enough.)
ReplyDeleteAlways thought that was a cool saint's day, though we never celebrated it. I'd have been on Ruprecht's list, anyway. :-)
ReplyDeleteDonna, thank you for the history. Facts can always lead to other stories! I see you wrote for "A Cup of Comfor for Military Families." Were you or someone in you family in the service? My son was in the Marines.
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting on our site. Blessings**
Hi All,
ReplyDeletethanks for your comments.
Betty,
Three teenaged boys certainly have healthy appetites.
Cathy,
Aww. I bet you're more of a St. Nicholas kind of girl rather than Ruprecht. You're such a sweetie.
Kindred Heart Writers,
God bless your son for his service in the Marine Corps. My husband was in the Air Force; my dad, brother, and son in the Army.
Blessings all,
Donna
Sounds like a fun tradition! I love that Harley scored treats, too. Our dogs, Rigby and Penny, are part of our family, as well...they have their Christmas stockings hung on the mantle alongside ours. :)
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