St. Nick

Today is St. Nick's day here in Germany. Here is what I found on the internet that best explains the holiday.

Strictly speaking, the tradition of St. Nicholas is not synonymous with the role of Santa Claus in the U.S.. As practiced in many European countries, the celebration of St. Nicholas is separate from the Christmas holidays, and occurs during the 2 weeks prior to December 6th, which is St. Nicholas's day. Sometimes St. Nicholas Day is the main holiday for gift giving, and not Christmas. In Germany, St. Nicholas is also known as Klaasbuur, Sunnercla, Burklaas, Bullerklaas, and Rauklas, and in eastern Germany, he is also known as Shaggy Goat, Ash Man and Rider and is more reflective of earlier pagan influences (Norse) that were blended in with the figure of St. Nicholas, when Christianity came to Germany. After the reformation, St. Nicholas's attire began to change, maybe as a reflection of the change from the Roman church, and he started to wear a red suit with fur. His dark-skinned helper is most often known as Knecht Ruprecht. Although he still visits many homes on Dec 5th/6th and leaves candy and gifts in the children's shoes, more recently St. Nicholas has begun showing up on Christmas Eve in Germany and is called Father Christmas.

So, last night St. Nick came to our house and loaded up our stockings which of course made Matthew's morning! He was pleasantly surprised to find his stocking full of little toys, some candy, and a new pair of Buzz Light Year pajamas! Zachary seemed just as excited as well with his new stash of toys and way too cute deer slippers! Mommy and daddy were not left out so we could all indulge just a little bit early in the Christmas spirit!

This afternoon at Matthew's school they also had a big St. Nicholas celebration. Allan was unable to go with me because he had to work so, my friend Christina, being the good friend that she is, stepped in and took his place. I am so glad that she did, because once again we were the only Americans there. I have really got to get this German language down so that I can understand what is going on around me! So anyways, we were to meet up at the school with all of the other parents and kids to walk to the place in the woods where we would meet up with St. Nick. Well we showed up 5 mins. late and everyone was gone. All that was left was a note on the school door, in German of course! Luckily, a very nice man (who spoke English) drove up with his son and walked with us to the little cabin in the woods (no lie). It was quite a hike I may add, but oh so beautiful! In the little wooden cabin were wooden tables and benches with an open fire in the middle and tons of kids and their parents along with some bratwurst, beer and wine. You can't go too far in Germany without running into those things! So the kids played outside for a while then a man starts to ring a bell and kids are running all over the place screaming, "St. Nicholas ist kommen, St. Nicholas ist kommen!" We then strain our necks along with everyone else as the man in red made his grand appearance. Then the kids sang a few songs and there was some little question and answer session with some of the children which we didn't understand. Basically I just laugh and smile like I know exactly what they are talking about, although I really have no idea! Then St. Nick shook every child's hand and spoke with them, except mine didn't talk back. Matthew was really taken by the tall man with the long white beard. He liked him even more when he received his gift. Yes, St. Nicholas came bearing gifts for all the children in the kindergarten and even those who are not in the school so Zachary got one as well. What's funny is that even when we went to the gas station afterwards we got a gift bag for St. Nicholas day! I love how involved everyone here is in the holidays.

We had a great time today even though we didn't understand everything that was going on. We are really trying hard to soak up the culture, and I do believe that this holiday will stick with our family! Who wouldn't like getting gifts a few weeks early?


Matthew digging into his stocking
Zachary with his stocking


Matthew taking a breaking from climbing on the rocks

The arrival of St. Nicholas

Matthew shaking St. Nick's hand

St. Nick bringing in the children's gifts

Matthew with his gift

The boys chowing down on their goodies!




Here is a picture of Matthew riding on a little fire truck at the Gillenfeld Christmas market. The markets are huge in Germany and just about every town, big or small, has one. This unfortunately was the only picture that I took of ours though, because it was just too cold to take my hands out of my pockets to get any more pictures!