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Saturday, November 26, 2005

St. Nicholas Eve

In our family, we began a tradition of celebrating "St. Nicholas Eve". We are Dutch people, and that's what Dutch people do. Although, we began doing it for other reasons...

The Husband God Gave Me used to work in a grocery store. If you've ever been in one, you know that these places get very busy around the holidays. Christmas Eve turned into such a tense and stressful time for me, that we bumped up our holiday to a teensy less busy time. For this day we all drew names, and kept who are 'special person' was a secret. We also put out our shoes, and St. Nicholas filled them with candy.

THGGM no longer works in a grocery store. Neither do the children (although there was one holiday season when they ALL worked there). But, this year on St. Nicholas Eve he will be in St. Louis on business. So, not being slaves to tradition, we celebrated at breakfast this morning.

We went to Daughther and Son-in-law's house. It was lovely. My special person this year was Son-in-law. I got him a level and a gift card to Home Depot. Thankfully, this caused him to make all of the right noises.

Daughter-in-law had my name, and gave me the most wonderful gifts of all - BOOKS! I'm collecting "The Night Before Christmas" books, and she got me one with a family of Goblins. Too cute. I love it. She also got me two "Mutts" books. I dragged myself away from those for just a few minutes to post this. And, three delightful Christmas books in a box called "A Little Box of Christmas". She also got me another little book which I plan to read over and over again and laugh until I snort coffee out my nose, but, I do not plan to tell you what it is, as it contains some truths that are in poor taste. It would be time consuming to tell you what pages with which I do not agree, few though they be. Daugher-in-law also loves books. She understands how they make WONDERFUL gifts, and as a bonus, are easy to wrap.

Now, I must get back to my "Mutts" books...

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Well, sounds like you have discovered a way to have no conflict with the in-law families during the holidays. We have changed our beliefs somewhat...well, in trying to more closely follow scripture we came to this...and we observe Hanukkah which is usually different days from Christmas or Christmas Eve...and there are 8 days to choose from too...any of which are fine by us to get together...or whenever. We too are not slaves to tradition...feeling that it is the getting together that counts!

I like the gift of books too...hard not to be happy with that one!!

Heather Plett said...

I'm dying of curiosity - what's the book??? I could use a good laugh, and I'm rarely offended by poor taste :-)

Melodee said...

You must email inmmediately and tell me what vulgar book (!!) you are reading!

Anvilcloud said...

It sounds like a fine family tradition.