this year we have added st. nicholas day to our festivities. we have been reading christine natale's sweet stories since december 1st. they are short stories meant to be told each night ending on st nicholas day. the children have enjoyed learning about this saint and his kind and generous deeds.i have also enjoyed learning about st nicholas and his many different companions (some of them quite scary) as well as the various ways he is celebrated around the world. in christine's story, his companion is knecht rupert, which happens to be the name of the etsy shop where i ordered jasper's new solstice doll!
one of the things i love most about blogging is getting glimpses into how other families celebrate festivals through the year. my partner for the *seasonal handmade exchange* is kaya. through her blog, kriebevel, i was able to experience the festivities that take place for st nicholas day in her home of holland. it looks like so much fun!
after seeing the gorgeous wooden shoes of some of my dear blogging friends in past years, i wanted some of our own for this special day. it is not necessary of course, as many children polish their own shoes and leave them out in hopes that st nicholas will leave a treat. however, being that i am in love with all things wood, when i spotted three pairs at my favorite antique store this past summer, i knew i should pick up a pair right away, but instead waited.....until the very last day before st nicholas day! we lucked out and there was still a pair there waiting for us.
this sweet little fairy and hedgehog crafted by erin of *tiny twist creative*. great timing, erin! ;) the children were delighted to set their shoes out with a carrot and an apple for st nicholas' donkey. when they awoke, their shoes were filled with golden chocolate coins, a wooden toy, and a beautiful book!
i love how this simple piece that we added to our holidays gave us an opportunity to recenter our thoughts around giving and doing for others in this busy season. we have packed up a box of the children's toys that they are ready to part with and will be taking them to a local women and children's center. this is something we do annually but it is so wonderful to have the story of st nicholas to illustrate our intentions so nicely.this website is full of all things st nicholas if you wish to learn more.
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