This is our first official year to celebrate this holiday. Last year, several of my friends were going on and on about Saint Nicholas Day and what all they did to celebrate. I loved their ideas and wanted to start our own family traditions this year. You may wonder how I explained this day since we did not celebrate in years past, well, I read the story of Saint Nicholas to the boys. Then just explained that Mommy, yes, I took the blame, forgot to remind you to leave your shoes out the night before and he only come if your shoes are out. They understood everything and went along but they did not let forget to leave their shoes out this year! If you are like me and do not know alot about Saint Nicholas, in many places St. Nicholas is the main gift giver. His feast day, St. Nicholas Day, is December 6, which falls early in the Advent season. If children have been good he comes in the night an delivers small treats.
On the eve of St. Nicholas day, shoes or stockings are left for St. Nicholas to fill during the night. Children will find treats of small gifts, fruit or nuts, and special Nicholas candies and cookies.
Last night when I asked which shoes do you want to leave out tonight. Holden quickly decided on his boots, to which Rylan followed. As they were finding there boots, I looked over and saw Holden with a container of Clorox Wipes cleaning their boots! Now, I am sure that Clorox is probably not the best element to use on leather boots but it was sweet to see him cleaning both of their boots so they looked good for Saint Nicholas.
They decided to leave cookies along with some milk to wash them down with. 
If you are wondering about the Cutie orange, somehow from the story I read, they picked up that he left fruit for children. They both thought it would be nice to leave him some fruit too. We placed the nicely clean, and germ free, boots by the fireplace and anxiously awaited to see if he would come. When the boys woke this morning, they were surprised to find treats in their boots and a note from Saint Nicholas. If only you could hear the excitement this morning, it was such fun.
Christmas is such a magical time and time passes by so quickly. I know that adding this tradition for our family will only bring wonderful memories for years to come.
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