St Nicholas is busy this time of year, visiting local schools and churches. We have caught a few glimpses of him this season.  At a local church…

And he even honked and waved at us from a white convertible at a stoplight one night, which left an indelible impression on Tess.  As in, "Better get to bed now Tess, St. Nicholas is coming!"  

"In his white car???"  

So, that sorta threw off the authentic German Catholic vibe we were shootin' for but hey. 

We still read about the beloved saint and woke to wooden shoes filled with traditional clementines, nuts, and chocolate coins in memory of the good Turkish bishop's efforts to secure an honorable future for some unfortunate maidens.  

One of the few days you get chocolate for breakfast. 

Lest you are mistakenly awed (and hence discouraged) by this display of authentic cultural celebration, let me just mention that Nikolaustag is Dec 6th.  

These pictures were taken Dec 7th 'cause, um, St. Nicholas' helper discovered at a distressingly late date that she was shy on clementines and candy canes.  

In 20 yrs they will never know. ; )