St. Nicholas Day... a family tradition

So growing up in a family with a part German heritage we had a pretty fun tradition passed down through the years, and that was the celebration of St. Nicholas Day.  In Germany this holiday is celebrated on the night of Dec. 5th when children leave their boots or shoes outside, and St. Nicholas fills them with small toys and sweets while checking up to make sure the kiddos are being good.  When my parents were younger they celebrated this as well leaving their shoes outside and finding candy in them come morning... so my parents continued the tradition with us.  Now that both Kid and I are all grown up we get a small care package in the mail instead since we're so far apart.  It's a really fun surprise!  This year I found homemade Chex mix, venison jerky, candy, and a few other things in my goodie box!  It's a wonderful surprise from home.  

I also received another surprise in the mail this past week from my brother... a Charlie Brown Christmas Tree!!  It's soooo cute!  I think I may have to put it up in my office!  I continued the fun by sending my mom some flowers at work while dad was out deer hunting with the guys.

Now I can't wait to get back home!  Less than 2 weeks left!  Now i just need to get focused, finish up a couple projects, and crank out a few more pages on my thesis before flying back to the lower 48...