Scandinavian Mikwaukee Christmas
Dear James, what a delight to receive your wonderful letter and request. I would love to share a memory, and it can be shared. Shan and I wish you a grand Christmas in Oregon with family. This is being written on letterhead paper my mother would do her correspondence on dating to the 1930s.
My memory is of the Saint Nicholas family gathering at my Uncle Urb's house. Mom had four brothers, your great uncles, Urb, Bob, Larry, Rol and Jack! Oops five brothers. Being of German Heritage they brought with them their traditions. This one is Scandinavian and their celebration of Saint Nicholas, who was the bishop of Myra, Turkey.
On December 6th the feast of Saint Nick, we would bundle up in our warm coats, mittens, and galoshes and our family of 9 would pack into our woodgrained station wagon and head across the town of Milwaukee Wisconsin to the east side north not far from Lake Michigan.
Uncle Urb was the oldest and had a quaint Tudor style house with a steep roof and a mix of brick and stone with Ivy growing up the walls. Each family was large so we had many cousins to play with. As we played in the snow making snow angles with snow angels and build snowman and of course snowball fights.
French doors open to the yard and we could see the Christmas lights and tree inside with the adults toasting with drinks and social cheer. We would take breaks to warm up and have hot chocolate. This would continue in the late afternoon when it was announced for us to gather around because it was rumored Saint Nick was in the neighborhood.
Of course we were then all appearing up and down the street in anticipation. Then low and behold coming around the corner of the block... There he was and accompanied by his helper page boy. Colorfully dressed in Bishop's robes with a tall Mitre carrying his crozier (staff) he made his way slowly down the shovelled sidewalk. With his helper carrying bags of gifts Saint Nick greeted us with waves as we gathered around.
Welcomed with excitement and great respect by all, he came through the French doors and made his way back where the family room was. A large stone fireplace was on one long wall. Full logs have been brought in 4 feet long. Yule logs they were called and they burned bright and reflected on the overstuffed chairs, furniture and a wonderfully decorated Christmas tree. Saint Nick greeted everyone and would call us one by one and let us know good things we had done and also what we needed to improve on. We were nervous as we didn't want to receive coal.
Each in turn received from his helper a stocking full of fruits, nuts, and candy. All this left us wondering how he knew so much about each of us. I was enchanted. Carols were sung and then it was time for St. Nick to leave. (I've included some pictures that match my memories). A feast would follow with ham and yams and many side dishes, trimmings, cookies and desserts. Everyone brought something.
Following this we would gather in the large living room. A 16 mm projector was set up there along with a movie screen. The lights were dimmed and a bright beam from the projector hit the screen. We would make finger Shadows on the screen until the cartoons started with Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and Elmer Fudd. Once in a while the film would break and we would all moan until it was repaired. Mostly we giggled and laughed and feasted on desserts and candy.
Late in the evening, not wanting the day to end, we were called to gather and once more say our goodbyes. We piled back into our station wagon... Tired and totally happy to return across town the legend is still in my heart and the spirit still lives... Although I now know our parents were in 'cahoots' with Saint Nick informing him of our deeds and misdeeds.
It was then I learned of the real Saint Nicholas and his kindly deeds and strive to emulate him.
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!
Love, Grandma Shan and Grandpa Joe Lechtenberg
