In a message dated 12/21/2008 8:03:53 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, gneolog@aol.com writes: At the time of our ancestors arrival in this country -- I don't think there was a Santa Claus and the Feast of St. Nicholas was probably celebrated. But for all the historians in the group -- how was Advent and Christmas celebrated and what are some historical traditions. Since we are not supposed to talk religion let me just suggest visiting the web site _http://www.stnicholascenter.org_ (http://www.stnicholascenter.org) You can find out all about the real story behind St. Nicholas and how he evolved in America. One of the pages mentions Germany and traditions there. This is one I just found but have not really checked thoroughly but has some German songs etc: _http://www.billanookps.vic.edu.au/German/Resi.htm_ (http://www.billanookps.vic.edu.au/German/Resi.htm) As editor of the Howland Quarterly (a Mayflower guy) I wrote an article in 2000 about Christmas in the colonies called "No Merry Christmas" It is attached for any interested. Even though this publication is mostly about New England I did include Virginia (I am after all a Virginian!) Gail Adams Leesburg, Va p.s. I have a statue of a kneeling Santa Claus in front of baby Jesus and I have Santa's all over -- I tell my children/grandchildren that the mission if St. N. was to spread the gospel...etc. don't want to get religious.... **************A Good Credit Score is 700 or Above. See yours in just 2 easy steps! (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100000075x1215047751x1200957972/aol?redir=http://www.freecreditreport.com/pm/default.aspx?sc=668072%26hmpgID=62%26bcd=De cemailfooterNO62)