On December 5, Great Oak School students can be found polishing their boots and setting them out in anticipation of Saint Nicholas’ visit that evening. When the children arrive on December 6, a small gift will be waiting for them in their boots.

In Waldorf tradition, this celebration is about more than just a treat. We celebrate St. Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, who was known throughout the land for his generosity to those in need and his love for children. He spent his life caring for others and using his inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. Legend has it that gifts of gold appeared in the shoes or boots of those in need. So, in honor of St. Nicholas, his generosity, and the sense of magic created by his anonymous gifts, we share small tokens with each other.