Christmas Traditions: An Early December Visit from St. Nicholas

Growing up, one of my very favorite Christmas traditions was on December 5, the eve of The Feast of St. Nicholas, when my sisters and I would each leave out our shoes before we were tucked into our beds. We lined up our shoes outside of our bedroom doors and went to sleep knowing a special visit from St. Nicholas was upon us. My shoe of choice was almost always a ballet shoe. In the morning, we would wake up to find a tiny treat waiting for us in each of our shoes. 

St. Nicholas, who is best known for his generosity and gift giving is largely celebrated in countries all over the world. This is where the spirit of kindness, giving and love came from, especially as it pertains to the Christmas season. I absolutely love this tradition and when I think about what I want to pass down to my own children someday, this is definitely at the top of the list! 

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