In looks hot longing,

Questions, what will happen then ?

And some do mention,

"I have St. Nikolaus gesehn".

Slowly the day bends down,

The winter night, it rises,

as a low murmur again,

stops the children's pious course.

There out of hazy clime

Rises like a misty night,

a still shadowy structure,

and twilight is awake.

Children's eyes grow bright

.faces are rapt,

as Niklaus at the day's threshold,

steps into their longing gaze.

You good old Nicholas,

you friend of children near and far,

empty your sack today with us,

we all like you so much

Knecht Ruprecht

by Theodor Storm

From out of doors, from the forest I come;

I must tell you, it is very Christmassy!

Everywhere on the fir-tops

I saw golden lights flashing,<

and above, out of heaven's gate

the Christ Child looked forth with wide eyes.

And as I stalked through the dark pine,

there it called me with a bright voice:

"Knecht Ruprecht", it called, "old journeyman&acute;,

lift your legs and spute quickly!

The candles are beginning to burn,

The gates of heaven are opened,

old and young shall now

from life's chase once rest,

and tomorrow I fly down to earth;

for it shall be Christmas again!"

I spoke: "Oh dear Lord Christ,

my journey is almost ended;

I shall but go to this city,

where there are vain good children."

"Has then the little bag also with thee?"

I spoke: "The little bag, it is here;

for apples, nuts, and almond kernels

are gladly eaten by pious children."

"Has then the rod also with thee?"

I spoke: "The rod, it is here;

but for the children only, the bad ones,

it strikes the part the right!"

Christ Child spoke: "So it is right;

so go with God, my faithful servant!"

From out of doors, from the forest I come;

I must tell you, it is very Christmastide!

Now speak, how I find it in here!

are they good children, are they bad children?

Happy St. Nicholas Day
wishes you the Frankfurt-Tipp.de Team

You can find everything about the origin and customs of Nikolaus HERE