As in many other European countries, on the eve of Dec. 6th children place a shoe or boot by the fireplace. During the night, St. Nicholas, the patron saint of children, hops from house to house carrying a book of sins in which all of the misdeeds of the children are written. If they have been good, he fills the shoe or boot with delicious holiday edibles. If they have not been good, their shoe is filled with twigs. Natasha's family adopted this tradition while living in Germany and we've decided to carry it forward.
It's a nice way to start the Christmas season.

St. Nicolas 2008 (8 images)

Click a picture to see a larger view.