Mos Nicolae!

On Sunday night, Jack left his shoes out in celebration of the coming of Mos Nicolae, the Romanian version of St. Nick. Here is what wikipedia says about the tradition as it is celebrated in Romania...

In Hungary and Romania, children typically leave their boots on the windowsill on the evening of 5 December. By next morning Nikolaus (Moş Nicolae in Romania) leaves candy and gifts if they have been good, or a rod if they have been bad (most kids end up getting small gifts but also a small rod).

This tradition is enjoyed by folks all over Europe and other parts of the world on Dec 6, seperate from Christmas morning. Who knows why we blended Santa and baby Jesus, but we are hoping to continue the Mos Nicolae tradition even once we are back in America. Here is a video of Jack's morning...

We also got to be "St Nick" for our group home kids, too...bringing them rods decorated in red ribbon as well as a chocolate Santa and candies from America. It's always fun to wake up to a goodie in your shoe in the morning, especially on a Monday!