Sfantul Nicolae

We woke up yesterday morning to find that St. Nicholas had visited!  It's a tradition from his mission in Romania that Joel done for us since we've been married.
Here's the tradition:On the night of December 5th, boots are cleaned and carefully polished to be put by the door or on the windowsill to wait for St. Nicholas' (Sfantul Nicolae) visit. He is generous to adults as well as children, putting a little present in each boot—usually nuts, tangerines, sweets and small items, like new socks. In some areas a walnut branch or thin twigs with gold, silver, or bronze gilded walnuts are left as a warning that behavior needs to improve. On the sixth of December, gifts are given to friends, children, and those in need. It is one of the most important Romanian holidays.
More than 800,000 Romanians celebrate their name day on St. Nicholas day, December 6th. 815,453 persons are named Nicholas or devivations of the name, 530,089 men and 285,364 women, reports the Ministry of Administration.
Over 1000 churches are dedicated to St. Nicholas in Romania, at least 23 are in Bucharest.

They love their little presents!