Disclosure: This is a sponsored post thanks to Sverve, where I will be compensated for my time. All opinions are, as always, my own.
I was born in Germany and lived there twice for a total of 4 years. One of the great things about living in another country is being exposed to and getting to experience their culture and customs. One of my favorite traditions that we picked up in Germany and still continue to this day is Saint Nicholas Day.
What is Saint Nicholas Day?
In some parts of the world, especially sections of Europe, Saint Nicholas is the primary gift giver. Different countries celebrate Saint Nicholas Day a little differently. On December 5th, the eve of Saint Nicholas Day, children place one shoe outside the door. If the child has been good they will receive sweets and/or small presents in their shoe from Saint Nicholas. Very similar to the concept of hanging a stocking above the fireplace.
When I was a child, I loved finding my shoe filled up chocolate and small toys on the morning of December 6th. And I know S loves that this tradition has been carried on with her.
Walmart’s Toyland
With the holidays upon us, being able to see the newest, hottest toys of the season is a huge plus. Walmart’s around the country will be hosting holiday Toyland events where you get to test out the best toys of the year – all chosen by kids. To find out when your local Walmart’s Toyland event is click here.
I will be attending my local Walmart’s Toyland event, will you be? Stay tuned for photos from Walmart’s Toyland event and a toy review in the next couple weeks.
Do you celebrate Saint Nicholas Day? What are some of your favorite holiday traditions?
#ChosenByKids
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I did not grow up celebrating St. Nicholas Day, but I enjoyed learning about the traditions surrounding this day and I taught them to my children. And I love all the Chrustmas carols about jolly old St. Nicholas. Happy St, Nick’s Day!!
Oops. Early morning typo. ☺️
That’s great Alli! I know your children enjoyed St. Nick Day. Do they celebrate with their children?
We are doing St. Nick’s with the kids, I just love this tradition! My Grandma used to do it with my Dad when he was little.
Yay! So nice to see the tradition past down in families.
I am o excited I met someone who celebrates St. Nicholas too! This is such an important tradition in our family, almost as big as Christmas. We also love Toyland toys and we’re planning to purchase some soon.
Thank you Petro! There are not a lot of people that I come across that celebrate too! I am happy to know that you do 🙂
Aww how cute and fun! I hope your little one had a nice surprise this morning!
Thank you Amber! Yes, and I think her favorite part was the chocolate coins. 🙂
Sounds like a fun tradition!
Lots of fun Cori!
This is seriously awesome! First of all so cool that you lived in Germany, and it’s awesome that you share other cultural traditions with your children!
Thank you so much Shasta!
Oh, wow- I loved reading about your St. Nicholas Day traditions! My husband’s family is German, and have a similar tradition!
Yay for traditions! I love when traditions keep getting passed down.
We are studying different traditions this year in our Homeschooling lessons. We are loving learning new ones that we can add to our Holiday Season.
What a great topic to cover! It’s so much fun to learn about different traditions from around the world!
I had never heard of St. Nicholas Day but I’m going to do some more research! My nephew is Nikolas so I’m sure it would be a fun way to celebrate both Nich’s/Nik’s! 🙂
I hope you share St. Nicholas Day with Nikolas 🙂
Love this tradition! We have so much fun with it every year 🙂
We do too!