St. Nicholas' Day
in Germany
Just before St Nicholas' day
mother cleans and prepares everything thoroughly. We, the children, make
a little present for St Nicholas, learn poems and songs or practise something
on an instrument. There is a lot of fun for all of us. Usually we invite
some friends and neighbours to come along and share our happiness. On the
evening of the 5th December the long wait is over. The big Christmas pyramid
stands on the table and the candles of the Advent wreath have already been
lit. To make the time pass faster, one of the adults read a story or we
play music.
If there is a knock on the
door, we know that it is St. Nicholas with his long coat, his bishopric
mitre on his head and with his golden stick who wants to come in. He has
got a golden book and a big heavy sack. We open the door for him, and he
comes in with big, heavy steps. One of us children is allowed to hold the
stick.
Afterwards the children (and
sometimes also the adults) are told to step in front of the holy man and
to listen to praises and/or reprimands.
Shortly after this he opens
his bag and takes presents of various sizes out of the bag that includes
also a few sweets for everyone. Finally, when he has finished, we give
him our little surprises. But then he has to leave quickly because other
children are also waiting for him. When he has gone, we stay together for
a while, we talk or play with our presents.
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