Traditions and a special surprise!

Here in Germany we have a special tradition for the 6th of December. It´s Nikolaus. we celebrate the birthday of a saint called Nikolaus von Myra. He was a very rich bishop and it is said that he cared especially for poor people and for children, giving them money and gifts. And in celebration of him and in momory of his deeds, the Nikolaus comes very year on December 6th to bring small presents to children, like fruits, nuts or chocolate. He only comes when in´s already dark and only brings presents to the good children. 

Sometimes he leaves the presents in shoes you place for that occasion for you to find, sometimes he will come to your house and read to you from his golden book, where all your good and bad deeds are written down. And yes, he really knows everything you´ve done, believe me!

On the left you can see a picture of him. You might think that he resembles to Santa Clause, but there is quite a difference! :)

The NIkolaus also has a companion who is called Knecht Ruprecht.You can see him in the other picture. That´s a rather dark and scary figure (at least for children), motsly dressed in brown or black, he helps the Nikolaus with his duties. It is his special task however to “scare” all the bad kids. He always brings a birch which he will leave if a child was especially naughty. Sometimes, he would also put small pieces of coal inside the shoes instead of presents!

But mostly it´s an awesome tradition! In the small town where I come from, some of the older men would have organized pairs who played Nikolais and Knecht Ruorecht and would actually visit our house. Until I was 5 or so I would still believe he was real and boy was I nervous every year! :) But fortunatly I would always get a present rather than coal!

You possibly ask yourself why I´m telling you this now, I be assured, it has a reason! It´s already getting dar here in Germany and all of my readers have been very good this year, so I come bearing gifts! I might ni have a beard and a red costume, but I believe you will like them!

Three of you of will receive a book today! YAY!

The winner of my “I got money who wants books” giveaway is…

 

Robin K (Intense Whisper)

 

Then, we have one lucky reader who will win a copy of Christina Henry´s “Black Wings”. The prize goes to…

 

 

Brooke!!!

 

 

 

 

 

And last but definetly not least, the winner of a copy of Gini Koch´s long expected “Alien Tango” is…….

 

 

Kelly!!!

 

 

 

 

 

Congrats to the lucky three and thank you so much to everyone for entering!

All winners were drawn with help of random.org. I´ve sent mails out to notify them as usual and they have 2 days to contact me. If I don´t hear back from them, I´ll choose another winner.

As soon as I receive the mailing address via email, I´ll place the order for the respective book!

Sad that you didn´t win? Maybe you should try and come back tomorrow, there´s another surprise giveaway then! :)