30 November 2014

le 6 décembre - St. Nicolas Traditions in France

"In many places St. Nicholas is the main gift giver. His feast day, St. Nicholas Day, is December 6, which falls early in the Advent season. Some places he arrives in the middle of November and moves about the countryside, visiting schools and homes to find out if children have been good. 

Other places he comes in the night and finds carrots and hay for his horse or donkey along with children's wish lists. Small treats are left in shoes or stockings so the children will know he has come.

Where St. Nicholas is prominent, his day, not Christmas, is the primary gift giving day. Parties may be held on the eve, December 5th, and shoes or stockings left for St. Nicholas to fill during the night. Children will find treats of small gifts, fruit or nuts, and special Nicholas candies and cookies. St. Nicholas gifts are meant to be shared, not hoarded for oneself."
                                                                      ...from the stnicolascenter.org web site. 

03 November 2014

Parents!! Do you want to learn French too?!

This site has been recommended to me for language learners, and it's FREE!!  Duolingo.com

Let me know what you think!  Bon lundi!  ~ Happy Monday!!