December the 6th is St. Nicholas Day. Did you put out your shoe last night?

https://www.almanac.com/news/a...hing/st-nicholas-day

Portion of Article from link above pasted below for your reading pleasure:

At the beginning of the Advent season is St. Nicholas Day (December 6 or December 19 on the Julian calendar).

St. Nicholas was a bishop who was known for his good deeds, especially for the needy and children. He often gave generously and anonymously (without anyone knowing the gifts were from him). Nicholas was officially recognized as a saint in the 800s and in the 1200s Catholics in France began celebrating Bishop Nicholas Day on December 6.

Many countries in Europe celebrate the Feast of Sinterklaas—also known as St. Nicholas—starting on the 5th of December, the eve of the day, by sharing candies, chocolate letters, small gifts, and riddles. Children put out their shoes with carrots and hay for the saint’s horse the evening prior, hoping St. Nicholas will exchange them for small gifts. (Sound familiar?)
In Belgium and the Netherlands, families would a fellow dressed as St. Nicholas would arrive by ship on December 6 and ride a white horse (or a donkey) through the towns, handing out gifts. It was the Dutch pronunciation of his name—Sinter Klass—as well as Dutch traditions that made their way to America. These led the way to the name Santa Claus and the tradition of gift-giving.

For many European countries, this simple gift-giving day in early Advent helps preserve a Christmas Day focus on the meaning of Christmas itself.

If you were or had kin in the 84th infantry Division (Keystone) you will find this appropriate.

It is long but worth it.


https://vimeo.com/376559658

Thanks for your post George43. That was an inspiring story.