Yesterday was another drive to Pittsburgh for my Dad's leg. Things are looking good and he's improving, so that's a good sign!
As we drove, and waited for tests to be done, my Mom and I talked a bit about some holiday memories. You see, yesterday was St. Nicholas Day, and on Tuesday night Keith, Autumn and I laid our shoes in front of the fireplace for St. Nicholas. Yesterday morning we took Autumn to the shoes to show her St. Nicholas had left a present for each of us in our shoes (or behind them for her coloring book and my magazine).
I wasn't that familiar to this holiday until a few years ago, a coworker helped St. Nicholas come to our department, filling small-child shoes with treats. If you want to read more about St. Nicholas Day, you can check out the Kids Domain site here.
As Mom and I were talking about this, she mentioned growing up she and her siblings always received a gift on New Year's Day from the New Year Baby. Often, it was a special cup, bowl or dish that they'd each receive. She said it wasn't anything big and definitely not expensive, since she's one of 11 kids, but it was a special treat and something she still remembers fondly.
During the holiday season it's so easy to make memories. Now that Keith and I have a child, it's our turn to take over from our parents as the memory makers. We have the chance to do something now that our daughter will still be talking about when she's 70.
So you'll have to forgive me for the homemade advent calendar and for St. Nicholas Day. For hanging lights outside the house and putting her favorite ornaments on the tree, just at her height. I've hung the stockings on the mantel and soon I'll be baking Christmas cookies. And all through it, my little shadow's at my side, helping out and making memories.