-
Step 1
On the evening of December 05, children clean their shoes and place one pair of shoes outside the front or back door.
-
Step 2
Once the children are in bed or before the children wake up in the morning, the parents fill the shoes. If children have shown good behavior, the parents put treats like chocolate, candy, cookies, fruits, nuts, or little presents in the shoes. However, if children have behaved badly, the parents put a birch or twig in the shoes.
-
Step 3
Once the children are awake on December 06, parents and kids open the door to check whether St. Nicholas has brought treats or a birch. Of course, children never have a birch but always treats. It is so much fun!
-
Step 4
In addition, men are hired to play St. Nicholas on December 06. They visit kindergartens or schools dressed up as St. Nicholas with a red costume and a big white beard, carrying a golden book and a sack filled with presents. The golden book (alledgedly) contains all the information about the children and their behavior. St. Nicholas asks each child how he/she has behaved and/or gives a short lecture on how kids should behave and then hands out presents. Since Nicholas Day is a Christian holiday, churches offer special services.
-
Step 5
Please, check out my other articles on Germany and German food,
e.g. German table manners, German friendships, German restaurants, German cuisine, etc. to learn more.
