St Nicholas Day, 19 December 2012
A greeting for the morning of the small gift, and the one detail children remember for the rest of their lives.
A happy St Nicholas Day to every house with a child in it.
I asked a colleague once what he remembered about this day from childhood. He did not mention a single present. He described the checking — waking early, putting a hand under the pillow before opening his eyes, the specific texture of the paper.
I think that is the whole design of the holiday. The object is small and forgettable on purpose. The moment is the thing, and the moment is free.
Any parent worrying tonight about whether what they have managed is enough should take that seriously. It is enough. It was always going to be enough.
A good morning to your household tomorrow.
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