Samichlaustag

Samichlaus made a visit to our house today. He traditionally comes on December 6th, but perhaps he came a day early since he had to take a trans-atlantic flight to visit a little Swiss boy in Portland. (Or perhaps Daddy left for a trip on the 5th and it was his gig!) As the tradition goes (props to Wikipedia): Many children put a boot outside the front door on the night of December 5 to December 6. Samichlaus fills the boot with gifts and sweets, and at the same time checks up on the children to see if they were good, polite and helpful the last year. If they were not, they will have a tree branch (rute) in their boots instead. Note that Finn had both goodies and a tree branch in his boot. :) With a loud knock on the door, this is how it unfolded. Finn opened the door and looked all around, then finally saw the boot Samichlaus left at the doorstep. Basically, after he spied the chocolate, he was pretty much done. But Daddy was able to read the letter from Samichlaus, which said that he was a very good boy, but needs to make sure he listens to Mommy and Daddy. Hint hint! We will be more specific next year, I'm sure. :) In between cries for chocolate, we think Finn got the concept. Tom decorated the table and made a delicious dinner, which was, of course, followed by more chocolate. Can't wait to do it again next year.