Nikolaustag

The girls have had a fun filled day celebrating St. Nikolaus. When they awoke, they checked their boots outside our door and found numerous goodies and treats tucked inside each one along with other chocolates next to their boots. They compared with each other what was in their own boot as they emptied them and then selected a treat for school before putting the rest of the goodies in a basket.


At school, St. Nikolaus visited Emmie's class. They sang songs together and then each received a stocking filled with fruit, nuts, and little chocolates. 

In the afternoon, we visited the Wiesbaden Christmas Market. While we were strolling around, we saw St. Nikolaus by himself. Even though he was heading in another direction, he stopped when the girls approached him and talked with them for a few minutes. Afterwards, he gave them each a little bag filled with nuts, chocolate, and a carousel ride token. Taking a ride was a great surprise for them to end our time after walking around another market.

In the evening, the Wendel family invited us over for a holiday gathering. After we indulged in delicious homemade holiday treats, the doorbell rang. When they answered the door, it was Eric who just arrived from being out of town. A few minutes later there was a loud knock on the balcony shades. This caught the girls by surprise and when the blinds were opened, St. Nikolaus was standing there. This instantly brought screams of joy and excitement along with many smiles as all of the girls recognized him. 

When he came indoors, he chatted with the girls and then informed Adeline and Emmie he has been to Michigan and then Stuttgart and he was happy to finally find them here in Hofheim. Adeline, Emmie, and Hanna just stood and listened to him in awe. He then brought out his book that keeps a record of each child's behavior. 

Adeline's name was first as she was the oldest. He discussed the good things she has been doing and some areas she needs to improve upon. She listened very intently while he spoke to her. When it was Emmie's turn, she shied away a little bit while he was addressing her, until he discussed her thumb-sucking habit and then she had to come and show him her thumb. Hopefully, St. Nikolaus can help us stop this habit. Hanna was a trooper and immediately gave him her pacifier when he asked for it, so we hope this be a clean break of her habit. 

The girls sang a song for St. Nikolaus when he was finished reading in his book. When it came to handing out presents from his large sack, little Marie understood this portion very clear and was so excited with each present that sometimes she forgot when there was more than one given to her. Before St. Nikolaus left, the girls sang one more song and then all of them hastily opened their gifts.

The Wendel family hosted a fabulous St. Nikolaus gathering.  We had a wonderful time sharing in their holiday tradition and are very grateful and thankful they invited us to partake in it with them and experience one of the joys of the season.