If you're from Western European ancestry, today is the day that many countries celebrate as St. Nicholas Day. Kids receive small presents, sweets, fruit and nuts in stockings or baskets that are traditionally left out on the front door to be filled by St. Nicholas as he makes his rounds. Traditions vary, but most European cultures have a variation on this theme, but do celebrate the patron Saint of children on Dec. 6th. St Nicholas delivers goodies to good boys and girls, and leaves coal or rocks in stockings or baskets if they haven't been good. Mostly they're all good though -- LOL
What about Christmas? In mostly southern European cultures, presents at Christmas are delivered by the Christ Child "aka Baby Jesus". In fact the term for Santa in the US is "Kris Kringle", and is a take-off from the German term for the Christ Child -- "Christkindl" -- the two names sound almost the same, and Americans thought it sounded like "Kris Kringle" when spoken by European immigrants. Hence Santa became also known as Kris Kringle because St. Nick was the traditional Christmas eve gift giver in US culture.
I set out my basket this evening and got a nice set of gloves and some small tools. Who says he isn't real --
Happy St Nicholas Day!!
