A first for jolly ol' St Nick

**macwilkin** · 10th December 08, 08:34 AM

Originally Posted by Galician

At the concert I mentioned above, I met a woman also from Wisconsin, who also described their observance of this celebration. I assume that it was started by the large number of Dutch settlers who settled in that area. I have been given to understand that Des Peres is so named due to the monastery of Canons Regular founded there from the Lowlands.

Wisconsin (like much of the upper Midwest) has a large number of German, Austrian and Swiss settlers, and all three also celebrate St. Nicholas' Day.

Todd

**Galician** · 10th December 08, 11:47 AM

Originally Posted by cajunscot

Wisconsin (like much of the upper Midwest) has a large number of German, Austrian and Swiss settlers, and all three also celebrate St. Nicholas' Day.

Todd

Yes, I know, as do many Eastern Europeans. I had thought, though, that the tradition of this being the primary day of the season for gift giving was practiced more by the Dutch than by other nations.

**Nighthawk** · 10th December 08, 12:09 PM

I'm glad I started this thread! I'm learning a lot. Please, carry on.

Thanks.

**macwilkin** · 10th December 08, 01:07 PM

Originally Posted by Galician

Yes, I know, as do many Eastern Europeans. I had thought, though, that the tradition of this being the primary day of the season for gift giving was practiced more by the Dutch than by other nations.

Ironically, our local German heritage society (They also accept Austrians and Swiss) just held a St. Nicholas Day service at a German Reformed (UCC) Church in a town southwest of Springfield that was settled primarily by Germans. I was hoping to go, but my little one was sick.

T.