Every year on December 6th, wooden clogs are put out in anticipation for a visit from St. Nicholas. It is a traditional celebration in the Netherlands and Germany and is the holiday from which our modern Christmas comes. In Germany, they call St. Nick “Sinterklass,” hence our “Santa Claus.”

Mrs. Beth Sands,  English teacher, celebrates St. Nicholas Day every year, inspired by her college experience in the Netherlands. On the evening of December 5th, called Saint Nicholas Eve, Dutch children put wooden clogs out in hopes of finding presents from St. Nick the next day. Sometimes a clog is even filled with carrots and hay for the reindeer, similar to the milk and cookies many people put out on Christmas Eve.

At the Sands house with her daughter Nora, this tradition includes wooden shoes, an annual unicorn present and the gift of oranges.

“My father’s birthday was on December 6,” added Mrs. Natalie Rebetsky.  “We would put our stocking out on the mantle.  Everyone received coins (pennies and dimes), assorted nuts, an orange, and a few small treats.  We girls were jealous because my brother had big white tube socks (’70’s).  We always thought he received more!”